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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v07n17)
Howling at the Moon by Susan Smith
posted: Aug. 20, 2010

Howling at the Moon header

Times are rough and tuff. I have received two media releases that I will allow to cover my column. Please consider donating to help the animals.

Humane Soc. of Indpls encourages those who suspect dog fighting to take action
(August 9, 2010) - Friday's dog-fighting raid by the IMPD - the largest in Indianapolis history - is a reminder that the cruel blood sport of dog fighting happens all too often in Indianapolis, according to the Humane Society of Indianapolis (IndyHumane). The bust also shows that those who use their dogs in fights are engaged in other illegal and dangerous activities
Friday night's bust occurred in the 3000 block of West 60th Street and was led by the IMPD, which was assisted by the USDA, Indianapolis Animal Care and Control (IACC) and the Marion County Sheriff's Office. 23 people were arrested. IMPD's SWAT team led the raid on the home. In addition to nine dogs seized and currently being cared for at IACC, the IMPD confiscated drugs, firearms and about $10,000.
Those engaged in dog fighting are often involved in other activities such as illegal gambling, drugs and firearms. Residents can look for these signs which can indicate dog fighting in their neighborhood: scars on the head, throat and chest of local dogs; dogs in poor health, on heavy chains left outside at all times; various people with dogs and cages visiting houses in a party-like atmosphere.
If a dog fight is in progress, you can call 911. If you suspect dog fighting, call Crime Stoppers' anonymous tip line at 317-262-TIPS. You can also call IACC at 327-1397 or the Mayor's Action Center at 327-4MAC if you suspect animal cruelty.
The Humane Society of Indianapolis has recently seen more proof that dog fighting happens near its shelter and elsewhere in Indianapolis. Just yesterday, an adult female Pit Bull, "Cherish," was found by a Good Samaritan at 38th and Meridian and brought to IndyHumane. The dog was friendly with shelter staff in spite of evidence of what appear to be severe wounds from fighting on her face, neck and chest.
Good Samaritans also brought another dog, "Valor," to IndyHumane in May after they found him slumped over on the side of the road just north of 71st Street and Guion Road. The dog was euthanized shortly after arriving at the shelter due to the extent of its injuries, which show the cruelty and pain endured by dogs forced to fight by their owners. Valor had more than 50 puncture wounds, many new and profusely bleeding. Both front legs had been broken - one so severe and recent that it would have required amputation. The other had an old fracture and was so badly misshapen that it couldn't have held his weight if the other were to be amputated.
Local Pit Bull advocacy organization Indy Pit Crew has more tips and resources about dog fighting available on their website, IndyPitCrew.org.

Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Suspended
Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana (SNSI), which provides spay/neuter financial assistance to low-income dog and cat owners, has been forced to suspend all financial assistance programs due to overwhelming requests and dwindling donations and grants. Spay/neuter certificates already issued will be honored by SNSI but they are not accepting any new applications for assistance.
"We have spent over $163,000 in spay/neuter surgeries over the last 12 months because we didn't turn away any qualified pet owner or animal welfare organization. Times have been tough but we were able to help, and we did," said SNSI President, Juli Erhart-Graves. "But with the downturn in the economy, we have experienced a decrease in donations and grants, and that's caught up with us now. We are receiving 40 to 50 assistance applications per week from all over Indiana from people who don't want to contribute to pet overpopulation, but they can't afford the full cost of the surgery and we can't afford to help them," she said.
Board Members and volunteers are busy coordinating SNSI's upcoming fundraisers, Hair Ball and Nut Sale. For more information on these events or to support SNSI spay/neuter call 317.767.7771, donations can be made at www.spayneuterservices.org or by mail at P.O. Box 55917 , Indianapolis , Indiana 46205 .
Founded in 1977, SNSI has provided assistance for over 62,000 spay/neuter surgeries. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats. In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs (statistics by The Humane Society of the United States and American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey).
SNSI invites you to support us in our efforts to fulfill our mission to eliminate the killing of healthy and treatable cats, dogs, puppies and kittens. SNSI will accomplish this by providing spay/neuter surgical fee assistance through partnerships with private practice veterinarians and low-cost clinics, collaborating with other animal welfare groups, and promoting humane education.



Susan Smith is a life-long area resident and is the owner of City Dogs Grocery located at 52nd and College. Send your pet related questions/comments to susan@BroadRippleGazette.com




susan@broadripplegazette.com
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