Animal activists hope more people are becoming aware of the prevalence of dog fighting right here in the Quad Cities.
On Thursday, April 14, 2016, federal agents executed search warrants at 10 homes in Rock Island and one in Davenport. They seized a total of 64 pit bulls, including 20 puppies. The ASPCA is currently caring for the dogs at a temporary shelter.
"I was really happy that the bust finally happened, but my heart broke for the dogs that died or were injured or were tortured and murdered before they could be saved," said animal activist Cindy VanLandegen.
VanLandegen founded AAVENGE, which stands for Animal Abuse and Violence Ends Now through Greater Enforcement. The group works to raise awareness about the sport of dog fighting and advocate for prosecution.
"First and foremost, these people are criminals. They're brutal criminals with absolutely no regard for life, whether it's human or animal. There's usually always drugs and gambling involved," said VanLandegen.
Federal prosecutors are asking for custody of the dogs recovered during the Quad City investigation. According to the forfeiture complaint, which was filed Friday in U.S. district court, confidential sources and witnesses told law enforcement about an illegal dog fighting operation, including gambling on dog fights, in Illinois, Iowa, Alabama and Mississippi. Dogs were allegedly bought and transported from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Mississippi for fighting.
Court documents say cell phones were used to record the fights. Sources told investigators that they sometimes paid a $5 entrance fee to attend.
"It's been a long time coming. I mean, a lot of people, myself included, have known that dog fighting has been going on in the Quad Cities for a long, long time," said VanLandegen.
VanLandegen hopes more people will now be on the lookout for signs of possible dog fighting activity. These include dogs with open wounds or bites, ears cropped extremely short, and heavy chains around their necks. Other warning signs are numerous litters of puppies being born, different dogs coming and going from a house, and unusual numbers of people arriving and leaving at odd hours.
"This bust has done for the Quad Cities what the Michael Vick case did nationwide. People always think, 'Oh, not in my backyard. It's not happening here.' And I have said all along, if you think it's not happening here, you're kidding yourself," said VanLandegen.
AAVENGE will be hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, April 24, 2015, called "Volleys for Pitties." The sand volleyball tournament begins at 11 a.m. at Casey's Tavern in Moline.
The group is dedicating the event to the dogs rescued in the Quad Cities, and plans to make a donation to the ASPCA.