Coast-to-coast crackdown on animal fighting

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) clamped down on two major fighting operations this month, seizing 127 dogs and a sample from nearly 2,000 birds.

As a result of a three-year investigation, the HSUS, along with local authorities, shut down an alleged dog fighting ring in Millers Creek, N.C. The dogs-62 adults and 65 puppies-and paraphernalia seized from the property are being held as evidence pending a court order or trial. A forensic veterinarian in association with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' CSI unit is evaluating the dogs-several of which had scars-for evidence of fighting.

Authorities arrested Edward Faron, the man suspected of running the operation disguised as Wildside Kennels, and two others including his 18-year-old son. Faron, reported by HSUS to be one of the top 10 U.S. breeders of fighting dogs, was previously convicted of dog fighting in 1989. The crime was a misdemeanor then, but Faron is now facing a felony charge for dog fighting and baiting.

Faron is also the co-author of "The Complete Game Dog-A Guide to Breeding and Raising the American Pit Bull Terrier," a book that contains graphic accounts of injuries inflicted or suffered by dogs used for fighting. To see your state's laws on dog fighting, click here.

On the West Coast, the HSUS and the Humboldt County Sheriff's department found approximately 1,400 game cocks and 500 game fowl. At an alleged operation in McKinleyville, Calif., they seized a sample of birds and cock fighting paraphernalia. Currently, authorities have made no arrests. The HSUS offers rewards up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting. To see your state's laws on cock fighting,

click here

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