What Happens to the Dogs Afterwards?

After a fight most of the dogs are in horrible shape, they have been mauling each other for close to an hour, they are all bloody and torn up, that is if they are even both alive. There are many people who fight dogs until one is dead and sometimes it just happens due to all of the injuries that have been inflicted. There are also times when they are in such bad shape after losing and their owners are angry with them for losing, that they will kill them. As was the case with the dogs fought on Michael Vick’s property, the losers were tortured and killed, either being drowned, electrocuted, or any other appalling viscous act that these horrible people could think up.

As for the dogs that are around when a police raid takes place and are confiscated, they are still not safe. There is always a long period of time between confiscating the dog and the trial and conviction of the owners. In the mean time it is virtually impossible for a shelter to take in a large amount of dogs at one time, without affecting the ability for a shelter to function as it normally would, including being able to accommodate other animals in need. Not to mention the cost that goes into helping and housing these abused seized dogs. Usually it comes down to someone claiming it would be “more practical and humane to euthanize or re-home the confiscated animals prior to the trial.” However the laws depend on the region and sometimes they are not legally able to start the re-housing process because the dogs are still technically property of the defendant.

Once the trial has happened a whole new process needs to begin for the dogs, which also takes a long time. They must undergo various personality tests to determine if the dog would even be suitable to be placed into a home. If there is any sign of a bad temperament the dogs will be euthanized. The fortunate ones that are not able to pass the test are occasionally permitted to go stay at a shelter that specializes in victims of dog fighting and severe abuse. The ones who do pass the personality tests are passed onto shelters, which are then responsible for placing the dogs in a safe home and making sure that they are properly trained and healthy.

It is incredibly sad that these dogs who ended up in the wrong hands in the first place are later punished for the way that the abuse that they have endured and the way they were used and treated. It was not the dogs that chose to fight; they should be given a second chance.

Most importantly, people need to be open-minded of the lucky dogs that are able to be re-housed, they can make amazing pets once they are introduced to what love is. These poor abused pups are forever grateful to those who show them a happy life and love. There are plenty of organizations around that people can go to rescue these dogs or even just go and play with them and give them some joy.