Bark Nation Assists Federal and State Agencies with Rescue of 133 Dogs from a Suspected Life of Dogfighting in Michigan
January 29, 2023
Earlier this week, Bark Nation’s National Animal Response Unit deployed 66 responders to assist local, state and federal law enforcement officers with the documentation and removal of 133 dogs from suspected dogfighting operations throughout multiple properties in the Detroit, Michigan area in what is believed to be the largest operation to combat dogfighting in Michigan’s History. Bark Nation is not privy to details of this investigation and strictly upholds confidentiality with involved agencies.
“Bark Nation was honored to have the privilege of deploying our National Animal Response Unit to assist local and federal law enforcement with the documentation and removal of dogs from this ongoing case”, said Bark Nation Director of Operations, Jessica Brown. “The majority of the dogs rescued were found living outdoors, attached to heavy tow-style chains with minimal shelter from the elements. Many required immediate medical care for a variety of injuries and illnesses. We are hopeful all will recover successfully and be able to begin their life after dogfighting.”
Involvement in dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states and is also a federal offense.
Bark Nation was the sole animal response agency involved with this case, and is providing daily care for the 133 dogs rescued. Bark Nation receives no federal funding for their operations.
Bark Nation’s #PitnessProtection program was created to assist law enforcement with the seizure, housing and disposition of dogs rescued from cruelty and bloodsport. We know that dogfighting exists because combating it is expensive. But we also know that these beautiful, sentient survivors deserve a chance at #lifeafterdogfighting – and Bark Nation is determined to give that to them.
In our care, survivors receive top notch veterinary care, tailored medical, behavioral, and food plans for their specific needs, enrichment/food/kennel cleans twice per day, and the ability to not only learn that humans are awesome, but also how to be a dog at their own speed. It costs our organization $1,431.99 on average to get each survivor ready for their new life. Your support – even just for one survivor – would help considerably to increase our capacity to help save lives.
From skin infections to radiographs to Babesia to heartworm disease to breeding complications to sexual trauma and more, the estimated costs post-seizure of this massive life-saving operation is $74,261.82. Please consider joining us in providing the most amazing lives for these 133 deserving survivors.
Prefer to send in-kind donations? Check out our Amazon wishlist!