At Least 20 Dogs Rescued in Fort Wayne Dogfighting Raid
FORT WAYNE, Ind — Police and an animal rescue group stepped in Tuesday and pulled more than 20 dogs and puppies from what they believe was a dogfighting operation.
The group, Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, helped Fort Wayne Police serve search warrants at two properties around 2 p.m. They were joined by the Indiana Gaming Commission and Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control.
At one property, dogs were found without water in the heat. Some had scars linked to fighting, and police found dogfighting equipment. At the other location, dogs were chained up with little shelter from the elements. A few were suffering from flystrike, a painful condition caused by flies laying eggs on the animals.
Police arrested Trevel Shantae Bell after a six-month investigation.
Despite everything, rescuers say many of the dogs were still friendly and wagging their tails.
The dogs are now being moved to a safe location where they will get the care they need. Fort Wayne Police Chief Scott Caudill says his department is committed to fighting animal cruelty and making sure the dogs get a second chance.
