Demand Justice for Stormy the Suspected Bait Dog!

It is a sad truth that animals are all too often abused, neglected, and exploited for a profit by people. When we think of animal exploitation, we often recall images of animals cramped on factory farms or captive wild animals put on display at circuses, zoos, and marine parks. However, man’s best friend has also long been exploited by people, particularly in the cruel practice of dog fighting.

Dogs used in dog fights are often kept hungry so they are defensive when in the presence of other dogs, their “opponents” in the ring. So-called ‘bait dogs‘ are used to further fuel the aggression during dog fights, and it is common practice for bait dogs to be cut so the smell of blood triggers the fighting instinct in the already starved and abused fighting dogs.

A dog suspected to have been used as a bait dog is Stormy, a mixed breed pooch who was found covered in knife wounds, abrasions, and cut ears in Southfield, Michigan. Thankfully, Stormy is now safe and receiving much-needed care with Almost Home Animals rescue. Stormy’s former owners deny allegations that Stormy was abused by them, saying that he was attacked by other dogs at their residence. Even if this is true, allowing Stormy to be attacked so terribly is animal neglect.

Seeing as no charges have been filed against Stormy’s previous owners, a petition on Care2 is requesting we demand justice for Stormy, who was at least neglected, and at worst, brutally abused. Please take a moment to sign this petition addressed to the Southfield Police Department asking them to conduct investigations to reveal what really happened to this poor dog.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Dog fighting is a common cruel industry that often goes overlooked and unnoticed because it is an underground practice. If you suspect a dog is being abused for dog fighting, please contact authorities and leave an anonymous tip. And please share this with your network to help spread awareness about the innocent animals forced into the dog fighting world.

Image Source: Almost Home Animals / almosthomeanimals.org