Hundreds of Dogs Rescued in southeastern United States: Two years later, where are they

now?
By Megan Neely
July 14, 2015
In August of 2013, almost two years ago from today, 367 pit bulls were rescued from a dog-fighting
ring in Austin, Texas, making for one of the largest busts in America. Over a dozen people were
charged for animal cruelty across southeastern United States in places such as Mississippi, Georgia,
Alabama and Texas. As the ASPCA, along with others, stepped in to save these dogs, the
investigation showed the intensive and expensive process of the illegal dog-fighting world and what it
takes to bring it down. Today, thousands of other dogs still endure the same torture because of the
horrible dog-fighters, but thanks to the ASPCA, this number has drastically decreased.
What happened to those 367 pit bulls rescued during that time? Where are these dogs now?
The ASPCA continues to work hard in conducting investigations to prevent cruelty against animals,
and this situation is one of many where their hard work paid off. After animal cruelty, dog-fighting, and
gambling charges were held against those responsible for assembling the torture in these dogfighting rings; all were given a minimum of five years in prison. Of all the states involved, 121 dogs
were taken to human society shelters in the state of Mississippi, 46 taken to Georgia, 58 taken to
Alabama, and 142 taken Texas, immediately following the bust.
As the two-year anniversary approaches since their rescue, 343 of the 367 dogs have been given
homes. One of which was a one-year-old male pit bull named Axel. Axel was found in Texas, along
with 114 other dogs, chained tightly to a tire, without food or water, and clearly traumatized by the
experience. Axel was barley 25 pounds when he was found, making ASPCA officials seriously
concerned for his health. After being rescued and taken to the closest humane society, Axel is still
around today to reflect his strength after his experience.
Our staff fell in love with the courage of this young pit bull and were sad, but more than happy to see
him move on to a brighter future, said representative at the ASPCA shelter in Texas, Tim Rickey.
Now, at three years old, Axel is living with a family of four, two adults and two younger children, in the
suburbs outside of Houston. Axels owners bring him to the ASPCA shelter once a week to show
thanks for providing Axel with the opportunity to live a happy life.
We could not be more thankful that Axel was given a second chance at life, said owner Samantha
Bridges. Its hard to believe that such evil exists in our world.
Although dog fighting is a felony in the United States, this crime is still not over for good. The 367
dogs rescued two years ago were apart of the million that the ASPCA works to save every year. This
organization continues to try its best in preventing cruelty to animals and pressing charges against
those who commit that cruelty. Stories like Axels can be retold over and over as the ASPCA
continues to fight for their lives, because every dog needs a second chance.