News
Seized Pit Bulls get a second chance at life and love
November 25, 2008, 11:48PM MT
By Trina Dunn
Earlier this month, authorities made a horrible discovery in rural Graves County.
Earlier this month, authorities made a horrible discovery in rural Graves County. Upon arrival, several dogs were found tied up and showed signs of animal cruelty and possible dog fighting. Authorities on the scene found that the dogs were malnourished, heavily scarred, and some were found with missing eyes. One dog even survived an untreated tumor. The dogs who are believed to have been used as bait were found to have their teeth filed down. Only one dog as euthanized after biting a person that night.
The day following the initial seizure, another horrible discovery was made. The dead bodies of 12 dogs were recovered after being shot in the head and thrown off of a bridge into Clarks River. Authorities believe all but two of the dogs were killed 24-48 hours prior to the discovery. Three males showed signs of fighting and the females are believed to have been breeders. Along with the 72 seized the night before, 20 more were seized at a second location following this discovery. A Humane Society of the United States Special Investigator is aiding in the investigation of possible dog fighting.
Although these dogs have endured this treatment, they now have a second chance at life and love. The seized dogs were originally taken to the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter where the staff noticed that the dogs wagged their tails and deeply wanted love. Many rescues have stepped up to help these dogs in their time of need. One of these organizations is Death Row Doggies in Lyles, Tennessee. The group took two of the dogs, a four-year old Staffordshire Terrier named Purdee and her son, one-year old Piddle.
According to Hope Clark of Death Row Doggies, neither Purdee or Piddle were used for fighting. Yet, Purdee was used as a breeding female and Piddle was kept in a cage meant for a puppy and not a grown dog. Both dogs have been vetted with the good news being that they are both Heartworm Negative! They will need to put on a little weight before they will be placed up for adoption. According to Hope, both Purdee and Piddle are absolute sweethearts who both love to give and receive hugs and kisses.
“Honestly, as friendly as these two are, you would have never guessed the situation that they came from. Both of these two had bloody tails on the day we brought them home and it was literally from where they had wagged their tails so hard in their crates on the ride here!” Hope goes on to say “it was literally the happiest day of their lives!”
Amy DeBerry is due in court on December 3rd to answer to animal cruelty charges. She has since been released on a $30,000 bond. Joanal DeBerry remains in jail and has already pleaded not guilty. Another man, Thomas McClellan was arrested on drug charges. With the July revision of KRS 525.125, anyone who is found to have tortured, physically injured, or tortured an animal to death will be charged with a Class D Felony.
For further information on how to help Purdee, Piddle or the many other dogs in need, please visit Death Row Doggies at www.mydeathrowdoggies.com. The Humane Society is also offering two rewards for information that leads to an arrest and conviction on cruelty to animals and dog fighting.
Written by Trina Dunn
Photo courtesy of Hope Clark