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Dog Beat Dog: To Pull Off the Biggest Pit Bull Fighting Bust in U.S. History, Investigators and Their Dogs Went Undercover

A A A Comments (55) By Keegan Hamilton Thursday, Sep 2 2010

Addison's two-year term was the harshest penalty the judge doled out. Stringfellow was deemed a hobbyist; his 12-month sentence is the most lenient among his seven co-defendants. Bacon is serving his 16-month stretch in federal prison in Mississippi, while William Berry, a.k.a. Black, is locked up for a year and a day.

All of the defendants have appealed their sentences. Citing the pending appeals, Reagan declined to be interviewed for this story.

Jennifer Silverberg

A rescued pit bull named Fay had her lips amputated by her owner, leaving her with a permanent scowl.

This one-eyed dog was seized from the kennel of James Milburn, a pit bull breeder and dogfighter in southern Illinois.

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Another legacy of the investigation is a tool that may help prosecutors convict dogfighters in the future. The Humane Society of Missouri and the ASPCA collected DNA samples from every dog housed at the temporary shelter. Geneticists from the University of California-Davis catalogued the information to create the Canine Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS.

"We know all these networks buy and sell dogs in a fairly small circles," Rickey says. "This will be an important tool. They can tie animals back to one or more convicted dogfighters and show they're from the same bloodline."

Eleven months after the raids and 32 years after he joined the force, Terry Mills retired from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. His partner, Jeff Heath, is currently assigned to the agency's narcotics unit.

Heath says he's proud of his work on the dogfighting case. But he doesn't miss it, and he certainly doesn't romanticize it.

"A felony is a felony," Heath says with a shrug. "It was dogs this week, drugs last week, and it'll probably be a murder next week."

Mills says the investigation was not only worth the time, effort and tax dollars — it was worth risking his life for.

"There are certain crimes that aren't enforced every day, and this is one of them," he says. "I think you have to take your shot periodically. If society says they don't want this and it's against the law, then my perception is you've got to do something like this every once in a while."

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12/15/2010 2:33:00 AM

have you ever owned a pit bull? They LIKE to fight. it is what they do. they are fighting breed of a dog, everyone has heard the phrase 'it is in their blood' well that means that what they WANT to do this. they like it. no, I do not and have not ever fought dogs, i could not sit and watch a dog fight any more than i could watch a professional boxing match. but it is my personal preference not to view these things. just because i dont like something, doesnt mean it is wrong. ever think that if thousands and thousands of people do this, well maybe its not that wrong. the only reason it is ILLEGAL is because a group of people got together that did not like it, and decided since they did not like it, well then nobody should do this. so they got a law passed making it illegal and IMPOSED THEIR WILL on others that did not want it, and now its an awful crime. so lets just sit back and watch the laws get passed, as each group comes forward and decides that if they feel strongly about something, then a law should be passed to make it a crime for anyone who does what they don't like. there is freedom for you. there are people who dont like abortion so lets make it illegal. people who do think it is NOT ok to eat animals, make it a law. people think cussing is bad, lets make it a law, say the f word and you may be subjected to a fine of not less than 22 dollars and no more than 150,000 and a year in jail. so 300 years ago, 100 years ago, hell, 25-30 years ago, it was not a crime to fight dogs or chickens. so people who fought them then, were not criminals. there are good and bad in every group. , and most of these owners do love their dogs. alot. but the people against the sport will make sure that everyone they know hears about it when they find an asshole that mistreats a dog, but that same person will not tell the same group of people that they saw 15 or 20 owners that fight pits that treat their dogs great. spoil them, love on them, pit bulls are practically lap dogs with most of their owners

10/20/2010 10:44:00 PM

Dog-fighting is NOT a sport. I'll consider it to be a sport when those that fight dogs do so themselves. Step your inhuman ass into the ring -unarmed- and fight your weight in Pit Bulls, hand-to-hand. THEN I'll consider it a sport. I'll even train the dogs to fight you.

Big Fish 09/17/2010 1:06:00 AM

yes you do ,every once in awhile ,it is to bad it won't be that many right now but in the future, I commend you on a job best done the ways you could!! Good Luck in the future !!!

Devildc 09/11/2010 8:37:00 AM

As the owner of a pit bull mix, I know that because of dogfighters like those described in this story, my dog has the undeserved reputation of being vicious. Dogfighters are very careful to keep their activities undercover, an I applaud the law enforcement authorities for being able to track down these people. Unfortunately, the law provides for minimal punishment for dogfighters, so they're likely to do their time and go right back to mistreating these beautiful dogs.

09/09/2010 4:17:00 PM

I could not finish the article because I was sick to my stomach. These poor dogs have this horrible reputation because of jackasses who would rather exploit them for money. When they dont make the money, they kill the dogs....by any means necessary. It just sickens me that these dogs will die just to be loved by their owner.

Pmscas 09/08/2010 1:16:00 AM

So sorry I didn't read the whole article I was too upset

Pmscas 09/08/2010 1:12:00 AM

Why is it that a reporter can watch this yet not report it, just because they are dogs what if they were children? They need to start turning this dumb a** sh** into authorities

Michelleandjamonti 09/07/2010 11:54:00 PM

dogs are more than property you fool...can't you tell they feel pain. If I taped your stupid mouth you couldn't speak either but hitting over the head will still hurt. What makes you so special...if you can beat a dog then beating the senseless idiots that do it should be ok too. Humans are the worst animal in the world!

Nadie 09/07/2010 11:07:00 PM

I hope that mofos like these dog breeders taste death soon...now that would be cool!

RAMEDAWG1 09/07/2010 9:13:00 PM

Please u eat meat ever seen a slaughter house hw things are done there so u people dnt give me this poor poor dog act yet o well we eat cows so its nt cruelty u people need to really look at urselfs u all sound like a bunch of hypocrites DNT JUDGE OR U WILL BE JUDGED

Augh! 09/07/2010 5:39:00 PM

Smoke your kids are your property too seeing if you have any, you gonna beat them too?? you gonna let a neighborhood kid come over and fight one of them??? HELL NO!!! why would you want to do it to your 4 legged kid too?? dogs are like children, look, feel, and listen dumbass.

Cheriadrianna 09/07/2010 3:18:00 PM

dogs have feelings not like your stupid car that has no intrinsic feelings when you do something to it, yes go smash up your car, because if that is your attitude, you don't deserve to be allowed to have any animal.

Cheriadrianna 09/07/2010 3:14:00 PM

The owners of these fighting pit bulls should be dismember one area at a time, and let them feel what it is like to loose their ability to eat, drink, and eventually die from their wounds and starvation. The one dog that had its lips cut off, the owner needs to get his lips removed as well. We are suppose to be the top of the chain and are suppose to be the "HUMANE" ones, but yet seeing these types of articles tells me one thing, I have no compassion if one of these animals (people) was to attack me, because I would love to put a bullet in each leg, then each arm, then the feet, the hands, the the thighs, the shoulders and on and on till they beg me to kill them, then I would loom over them and laugh. Yes I am sadistic, but when people act like vicious animals themselves they deserve to get what they put the other aminals through.

Damian in Phoenix 09/07/2010 9:09:00 AM

Why dont you try and pretend Im your property there tough guy? If you have so little respect for life then I will be happy to take yours.....all you need do if threaten any animal or person with that baseball bat!

TDSHAWPITBULL 09/07/2010 3:23:00 AM

God says THE RIGHTEOUS MAN REGARDS THE LIFE OF HIS ANIMAL, BUT THE TENDER MERCIES OF THE WICKED ARE CRUELTY, YOU WILL STAND BEFORE ALMIGHTY GOD

dog_advocate 09/07/2010 2:38:00 AM

Thanks for sharing that info about Banfield. Since Banfield chooses to turn a blind eye to animal cruelty...I will NEVER bring my animals to them.

09/06/2010 1:53:00 PM

Your sister is my property, chump

for the pit bulls 09/06/2010 12:19:00 PM

I'd like to help you torture these scum of the earth.

for the pit bulls 09/06/2010 12:17:00 PM

someone should smash you with a bat, you moron

Gofuckyporself 09/06/2010 12:13:00 AM

Smoke you Are Stupid ANd, You CAN'T fix Stupid!

65stang 09/05/2010 9:04:00 PM

smoke, you are truly a moron.

Alluring_elora 09/05/2010 7:52:00 PM

You know the sad thing is that out of my two years of being a Veterinary Assistant at Banfield I have seen horrible acts of cruelty and the one thing is that I wasn't allowed to do was report the abusive handlers to the police. I was told to "clean up" the wounds. I could only help heal their lives but not erase the stupidity of the owners who do unspeakable things to this breed. I was only allowed to "educate" the importance of being better compassionate people nor was I allowed to ask them to surrender their animals so we could help animal rescue adopt their animals to loving homes. It was such bullshit. It only angered me. I felt that society had truly given up on being loving people, Why should I bother? But I didn't give up. I believe that society can truly love. I had better progress spreading the word of compassion and love through society (word of mouth on the street). When will people learn that it's not "OK" to abuse animals, murder animals, abandon animals. When will society learn that it's not OK to let animal abusers walk the street free like the famous football player " Michael Vick"? So when will we be seeing him in a jail cell?

DogsBestFriend 09/05/2010 6:02:00 PM

This is to any judge that is reading this. Come find me and I will be willing to torture the scumbags who facilitate dogs fights. Group in this category the people who participate in them, owners, breeders and whoever has ties to dogfights. I would love to torture for weeks on end the scum who thinks these dogs love to fight. I would torture the people for free. I wouldn't charge a penny. I would love to inflict the most pain possible because it is what they are doing to these dogs who have no choice in what they want to do. And 'Smoke', I hope you get what is coming to you. How about someone smash your girlfriend or wife with a bat...they shouldn't go to jail because you say they your wife or your mom is your property. Get an education, be a productive member of society and realize that any living thing is not property. Again, judges, my offer still stands.

mike 09/05/2010 3:40:00 PM

you are garbage, i would be the guy to take the bat and beat the hell out of you

John 09/05/2010 2:46:00 PM

Only a piece of garbage looks at another living being as property. Yes you can go to jail for destroying your own property if it is a public disturbance. Your car does not bleed and love you unconditionally you creep I wish someone made you fight for your life.

Olivia 09/05/2010 2:43:00 PM

Because of people like you our world is such a bad place Smoke. I hope you can one day regret the way you think.

Smoke 09/05/2010 1:43:00 PM

dogs are property.....should i go to jail for smashing my car with a bat?? no because its my property.

Malamarey 09/05/2010 10:27:00 AM

These people should be treated like they were treating this poor dogs and see how they like it makes me sick that people can find this entertaining any one who does is just sick in the head.

Cerebro 09/05/2010 1:46:00 AM

This article was very disturbing. I find it appalling that people find it acceptable to exploit an animal simply for monetary gain and for the lust of blood. It is so sad that an innocent animal is trained to be aggressive with no love given from its master. I agree with the writer who stated that perhaps in their next life they will be spoiled pooches surrounded by a loving family. If that is the case, I hope the owners are re-incarnated as pit bulls, caught in the tortuous life they subjected their animals to.

AnimalLover 09/04/2010 6:17:00 PM

=====>>>Stop The Over-Breeding of Pit Bulls - Please Read! Did you know that "Pit Bulls" are currently the number one bred dog in the United States? Ironically, they are also one of the hardest breeds to find homes. It is estimated that there is a current average of 3 million "Pit Bulls" living in the United States and only 1 in 600 will successfully find a "forever" home. Sadly, for every 1 "Pit Bull" placed in a loving home there are 599 killed. Shockingly, that statistic unfortunately does not exclude puppies! Roughly 200 "Pit Bulls" are killed each day because there are not enough homes for the ever-growing population of unwanted dogs. This is a frustrating problem due to over-breeding either intentionally or accidentally. Either way you look at it, it comes down to irresponsible actions by irresponsible and or greedy humans. Many people may not realize that any dog not spayed or neutered is a potential contributor to this terrible problem. The average fertile dog can produce 2 litters in one year. The average number of puppies in a canine litter is 6-10. In six years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs..many or most of which will end up dead. There are between 4,000 and 6,000 animal shelters in the United States. The number of cats and dogs entering those shelters each year is roughly 6-8 million! However, only 30% of the dogs and 2%-5% of the cats are actually reclaimed by their owners. This means the total number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters annually is 3-4 million! It is estimated that 1 million of those dogs are "Pit Bulls". Shelters in large cities across the U.S. typically find themselves with a "Pit Bull" population of anywhere from 40% to 60% of the total shelter population and a national average of 33%. Many shelters needing more space will opt to euthanize "Pit Bulls" before any other type of dog due to this overwhelming number. 75% of shelters nationwide will euthanize all "Pit Bulls" entering the facility without ever giving them a chance to be adopted…some more lenient organizations may give the dogs a mere 24 hour grace period before administering the lethal injection. A study done by Animal People reports that the "Pit Bull" euthanasia rate in shelters is at approximately 93% on average which means that ultimately only 7% of all homeless "Pit Bulls" in America will find a "forever" home. Surely you can see how over-breeding has negatively affected the lives of so many dogs. It is a fact that "Pit Bull" breeders are directly responsible for a significant percentage of the estimated 1 million "Pit Bulls" killed by euthanasia each year nationwide.

Carolyn 09/04/2010 5:39:00 PM

ANYONE who conducts dog fights OR attends dog fights should be given hard time in the State Prison system. This is animal cruelty at its worst, and those who attend are aiding and abetting the criminals conducting the fights.

Katodexter 09/03/2010 11:59:00 PM

I too was sickened after reading the fighting dogs story. The story came at a time of sadness because I happened to pick it up shortly after leaving the vet's office where my two babies were put down for compilitations of old age and illness (Kato and Dexter were 16& 14 ) I had held on to them perhaps a little too long but finally and reluctantly returned them to the Father that gave them to me. So- besides being sickened by the actions of the people who perpetuate this crime: I think the court erred in not giving all the criminals the maximum sentences and if they are released---they, like child molesters, are virtually destined to commit this crime forever and neighborhoods should be warned (like child molesters) that dog fighters are entering the community. As I wrote this past sentiment, I am not happy with myself because it's so bitter. But!!! It is how I presently feel. I think it's because I just lost Kato( my pit) and with his brother, Dexter, were the most loving dogs that God put on this earth! I was approached many times over the past almost 17 years with propositions to see how strong both my dogs were and I dedicated my existence to seeing that they never had to worry about anything except for their treats and whether or not I planned to bathe them that day. So, I'll stop this rambling, except to reiterate: dog fighting is disgusting and penalties should be more severe for the criminals who subject animals it. And Kato and Dex : I miss you more than you can know and thankyou again for being with me so long. Paul PS: I'm sorry I gave you that bath yesterday but I wanted you to look extra special.

Amyh5656 09/03/2010 10:24:00 PM

Somone should beat the crap out of the owners of these poor dogs. I own two beautiful pit bulls, and I could never imagine making them fight one another for entertainment. What a bunch of ignorant jerks!

Mlynn 09/03/2010 9:44:00 PM

This article almost brought me to tears in a few places. What these men did i brave. And yeah it's really hard to think about the dogs they used in the process, but that is how this had to go. That is how they could save more dogs and really thousands over time b/c of all the puppies that will be born and have a chance at love and a life free of abuse and torture. Sometimes the means of something are gross, but you have to focus on the ends too.

09/03/2010 7:43:00 PM

Bullies used to be known as the "Nanny Breed". People used to use them to pretty much baby-sit their kids. I think you need to do some research.

09/03/2010 7:41:00 PM

Wanna get your head kicked right the fuck in? Let me catch you fighting your dog. Not at all a joke. Read the article before you judge me please. This shit made me want to cry.

Wtf 09/03/2010 7:34:00 PM

This sport is fucking disgusting.

Olivia 09/03/2010 7:21:00 PM

So this is the first world, huh ? The great USA !!!! Yeahhhhhh

Alluring_elora 09/03/2010 6:48:00 PM

Thank you Nativewalker. I agree

Nativewalker 09/03/2010 6:13:00 PM

Backcue by your reasoning humans being the most lethal animal on the plant should not be allowed to reproduce? No PIT BULL has ever caused as much damage as a human!!! Please do all of use a favor and change things in the for good and not just talk ok!

Alluring_elora 09/03/2010 5:05:00 PM

Hey Backcue, you say that the pit bull breed itself is not a family dog so what are you trying to imply? We cannot wipe out a entire breed of dog to extinction because you feel that the pitt bull is dangerous. If so you should think about wiping out other "potential trouble breeds" that bite, mangle or maul people like Akitas or chow chows. Are you a pitt bull racist? I have been a PROUD owner of a loving, gentle and energetic pitt bull breed for over 20 years of my life. Don't be a hater.

Backcue 09/03/2010 2:23:00 PM

Let me start by saying that dog fighting is WRONG! And it really sucks that pit bulls get a bad reputation for things like this, BUT...are you ready for an argument? Pit bulls should NOT be a family dog! Any pit bull, no matter how it is raised, is gonna have some aggression. It is in their nature, they are an aggressive breed. Uneducated people that have them as family pets need to stop giving out bad information. Any dog can turn on anyone, pit bulls are just more prone to it because they are bull headed and stubborn. Learn your breed before you go saying stuff that is incorrect.

Kkeydoszius 09/03/2010 1:58:00 PM

put the owners in a cage, lets see how they do. I have to perfect pitbulls. the owners are scared of hand to face combat so they make innocent animals victims of there insecurities.

Alehound 09/03/2010 6:52:00 AM

I agree. Brock needs to work on his ground game tho... :)

09/03/2010 3:10:00 AM

I am horrified reading this article!! I have 2 pits..they are the love of my life. They couldn't be the most sweetest & lovable dogs I ever own. For someone to "train" pitbulls or any other dog to fight is disgusting!! They should alligator tip attached to them for doing such a horrendous act! These dogs don't deserve that kind of treatment. Makes me sick to my stomach...

EZ602 09/02/2010 10:54:00 PM

Thank you for the article. Old dump Bacon is the typical weak minded woe is me punk. Your right dump, human life and dog life are not valued the same. A dog's life is worth much more than yours. I would have no problem see you shot and left for dead. These idiots should get 20 years, plus have to fight Brock Lessner once a month until beatin to death.

azlild 09/02/2010 10:02:00 PM

People like them are the reason why these dogs have such bad raps. i own a couple of them and they are the best family dogs i have had so far. these dogs are naturaly a very loving breed who just want ur company and pets. i would love to see these guys locked up in a kennel and made to fight without them having a choice about it. Thanks to those gentleman who dug deep and made a big bust on the underground of dogfighting.

Hol 09/02/2010 8:58:00 PM

I am a total animal lover, we are so lucky to have people like this fighting for animals. It is so heartbreaking to know there are such evil people in the world that will harm animals for profit and enjoyment. There needs to be stricter laws for animal cruelty, animals just like people feel pain and their premeditated torture and deaths should not be taken lightly. If someone could harm such an innocent creature they could harm a person just as easy. I believe in God doing the judging let's just help them get there.

Jade C. 09/02/2010 5:52:00 PM

This story kills me and makes me sick to my stomach ... the cruelty that some people have is staggering. It must be sickening and tortuous to be an undercover officer and have to watch how other humans can disreguard life so easily. I'm glad that even a small fraction of dirtbags are no longer causing pain, misery and death to innocent dogs anymore. The more its talked about and not pushed into the dark recesses of society the greater chance we have to putting a stop to it. I hope that people reading this understand that pit bulls in general are sweet, loving and only want to appease their master. These dogs have enured such honor (as being war heroes) and now such disgrace for no reason other then ignorant, scumbags see the qualities that make this dog amazing and turn it into something horrid. My heart goes out to the 500+ dogs siezed as I'm sure the majority were not rehabilitated and rehomed; I hope in their next life they are loved, spoiled and lazy pooches with a GREAT family surrounding them.

Loreta 09/02/2010 5:38:00 PM

A big THANK YOU to Mr. Heath and Mr. Mills for what you have done. You didnt give up your effort. You have saved so many lives. Though these dogs have no voice to sound off their gratitude, they sure can give you lots of licks and tail wags!

Sue 09/02/2010 5:21:00 PM

Thank you for this article. The more article on dog fighting the better. I commend these gentlemen that did not give up their investigation. There should be very, very stiff fines and jail time for the offenders. Not like Mr. Vick that got off so easily. Lucky him being a celeb! :

JBarrett 09/02/2010 4:15:00 PM

Great article. I would love to see a similar article on the psychology of those who find this kind of "sport" acceptable. They are truly sick minds who would watch this, much less organize it.

Contrafax 09/02/2010 1:36:00 PM

feed the perpetrators to the dogs !

Alehound 09/02/2010 8:06:00 AM

Damn, I would so kill these inbreds if I lived there....

09/02/2010 2:17:00 AM

This is so sad :(

Dog Beat Dog: To Pull Off the Biggest Pit Bull Fighting Bust in U.S. History, Investigators and Their Dogs Went Undercover

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