HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — The Halifax County SPCA helped relocate seven puppies rescued from a suspected dogfighting operation.
Nearly thirty dogs were seized by Animal Control last week, and Kelly Powell says the SPCA helps the county shelter handle seizures.
They reached out to see what shelters in Virginia could take in the puppies and give them the proper care, and both Sunny Bear Rescue in Spotsylvania County and Petty Pawz Rescue in Fredericksburg stepped up. Then pilot Michael Russ from Stafford volunteered his plane plus fuel through Pilots N Paws to transport the pups from Halifax County.
“There were a lot of different levels to this of different volunteers just trying to get these puppies get from point A to point B,” said Powell.
Mischa Moore-Davis with Sunny Bear took in four puppies. He says they’re shy and unfortunately showing signs of illness. By Tuesday evening he said they were vomiting and there was blood in their feces.
“We have these four puppies now that have been through so much that all four of them are sick,” he said. “We’re just going to do whatever we can to help these dogs.”
There are several ways to help the organizations involved in helping these puppies, from donation to fostering, to volunteering. Powell says you can also help by looking out for other dogs bred for fighting.
“Some of the signs that you’ll see with dog fighting could be animals with lots of scars on their body,” she explained. “Even sometimes drugs and veterinary supplies on a property can make you suspicious.”
You can report suspected dogfighting to your local law enforcement or to Humane Society International at 1-877-TIP-HSUS. Through HSI, a tip that leads to an arrest can earn a reward of up to $5,000.
None of the dogs rescued in Halifax County are up for adoption until the court formally signs them over to the county.
