They're at it again...

July 17, 2009 Update: The rescue and investigation spanned 8 states and netted 26 arrests. More than 500 dogs were confiscated and from those, 14 puppies were born last week. The good news is that if those arrested are convicted, they each face up to 5 years in prison. It isn't enough.

Photo courtesy of the ASPCA

The dog pictured here was rescued from a dog fighting operation in Missouri, which is part of the largest ring ever uncovered in US history. Look at the chain that this dog is tied with. Look how tight the collar is around his neck and the raw skin underneath. Look at the expression on its face. Vicious killer? No way.

I have tie-out chains that I use when I am actively training my dogs. I use light chain, 4 feet long, with a snap on one end and a clip on the other, and I can tell you that the chain used on this dog is not only completely unnecessary in weight and strength, but it wasn't cheap either. The only reason I even use chain for the short amount of time my dogs are tied is because, in their excitement watching each other work, they have chewed through every other material I have tried including leather, nylon and cable.

So why would it be any different for this dog? It wouldn't. It is simply some twisted human being's attempt to shore up their dismal self esteem at the expense and suffering of a much maligned breed of dog. Here's what the ASPCA has to say about this round of dog-fighting arrests:

On Wednesday, July 8, the ASPCA began assisting federal and state agencies in what is believed to be the largest crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history. The raid spans eight states so far—Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi. Arrests have been made in all eight states.Nearly 400 rescued dogs, many pregnant, were safely transported to a secure facility under the direction of the Humane Society of Missouri’s (HSMO) Animal Cruelty Task Force, where they will be cared for until final disposition is determined by the U.S. District Court.

The ASPCA has compiled good information on how to eliminate dog fighting. Click here to learn how. Learn more about the pit bull breed and why they are not what you think. Breed specific legislation has been enacted in areas around the country against the pit bull breed and others, but does it work? Click here to read why not.