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22 indicted in alleged dog-fighting ring in Baltimore

By Danielle Haynes

BALTIMORE, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Officials in Baltimore handed down 22 indictments and rescued more than 225 dogs after busting up a dog-fighting ring.

Fourteen suspects were arrested and face felony charges, including dog-fighting conspiracy, aggravated cruelty related to dog-fighting, animal abuse and neglect.

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Along with the dogs, 20 guns, heavy chains and other implements related to dog-fighting were seized as part of the investigation. Some 50 puppies were also rescued.

"It's a cruel world," Baltimore police Lt. Col. Sean Miller said. "The connectivity to violent crime and violence is apparent."

"We have bite sticks, weapons, forced treadmill activity to make the dogs stronger for fighting. It is just ridiculous behavior, especially in 2014. We still have human beings that feel dogs are bred to do this kind of thing. It's just ridiculous," Miller said.

The year-long investigation, and subsequent raids of 20 homes in Baltimore and Baltimore County were announced Monday by the Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City.

"In this unforgiving underworld, a dog who loses a fight is routinely executed, most commonly by hanging, electrocution, drowning or shooting," Assistant State's Attorney Thiru Vignarajah said. 

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Baltimore police spokesman Lt. Eric Kowalczyk said the seized animals would be assessed.

"Every effort is made to rehabilitate and place them for adoption. As a general rule, many dogs including all puppies and young dogs do end up in loving families as a result of their effort."

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