OSPCA seeks help exposing cases of dog fighting

By News Staff

Ontario’s leading animal welfare organization is asking people to look out for signs of dog fighting, including cases of dog theft in the Toronto area in recent months.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) said dog fighting exists in the province, but it has no evidence of cases in the GTA. Still, it’s investigating three incidents for a possible link.

On May 10, a Cane Corso dog was found beaten to death in a Brampton park, and at least two puppies were reported stolen in Toronto and Mississauga after they were advertised for sale on Kijiji this year.

“Dog theft can be a sign of suspected dog fighting and Cane Corso type dogs can be a breed used in dog fighting operations,” OSPCA spokeswoman Alison Cross said in an email.

Signs of dog fighting

  • An inordinate number of aggressive dogs being kept in one location, especially dogs who are heavily chained and seem unsocialized.
  • Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs, hind end and thighs
  • Equipment like treadmills used to build dogs’ endurance, “break sticks” used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle, tires or “springpoles” (a large spring with rope attached to either end) hanging from tree limbs
  • Unusual foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours.

 

The OSPCA launched a campaign in March to shed light on the illegal sport in which two dogs — bred, conditioned and trained to fight — are placed in a pit to battle for spectators’ entertainment and gambling.

Fights usually last one to two hours, ending when one of the dogs can’t continue. Injuries are often severe and can be fatal.

The OSPCA laid charges in three separate incidents last year — two in Chatham and one in Lanark County.

And in March, the OSPCA rescued seven dogs and found five of the dogs could be rehabilitated.

To report dog fighting

  • If you witness a dog fight in progress, call your local police immediately.
  • If you suspect dog fighting is taking place at a residence, call the Ontario SPCA Animal Cruelty Hotline at 310-SPCA (7722).
  • If there are multiple reports of dogs missing or being stolen in your area, call 310-SPCA (7722) or local police.
  • If you see an animal that appears to be neglected but may not be involved in dog fighting, report it at 310-SPCA (7722).

For more information about dog fighting, visit the OSPCA website.

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