Dog Dumping, Fighting Rings Growing Problem For City

[heidiho]

CLEVELAND -- The discovery of dumped dogs, along with the increase in illegal dog fighting rings, is part of a growing problem in the city of Cleveland, reported NewsChannel5's Joe Pagonakis.



The Cleveland dog warden's office can't keep up with the growing pit bull problem.

SLIDESHOW: Pit Bull Fighting Ring


A waste truck driver in Cleveland, who wishes to remain anonymous, has made a gruesome discovery.

He said in recent months he's seen the bodies of pit bulls dumped at various dumps, some of them the apparent victims of pit bull fighting rings.

At the Cleveland City Kennel, the number of illegal pit bulls confiscated is reaching an all-time high, and the quarantined section of dangerous dogs at the kennel is completely full.

Cleveland dog warden John Baird said dog dumping is a sad reality.

Dog fighting is on the rise, but the warden staff has been slashed in half due to budget cuts, and it's had a big impact.

In 2002, 997 pit bulls were taken in, and in 2003 that number ballooned to 1,153 pit bulls confiscated.

But after budget cuts in 2004, only 870 pit bulls could be taken in.

If you've witnessed dog dumping, or are aware of dog fighting operation, please contact the Cleveland city dog warden at (216) 664-3069.

Copyright 2005 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.





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[babyrocky1]

This is just too sad, I can't think of any words... :sad: Im glad to see they have a # to call. Hopefully that will help find these "human" animals that are doing this!