Dogs seized in alleged dog-fighting ring evaluated by specialist

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Animal Control and Shelter has been housing 55 dogs and two cats since they were seized in an alleged dog-fighting ring on September 9. Last weekend, Animal Behavioral Specialist Morgan Rivera was flown in from Jacksonville, Florida by the Humane Society of the U.S. to evaluate the 38 game-bred pit bulls in the shelter. Ms. Rivera is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and has a master’s degree in animal behavior. The Humane Society hired her to come to Smith County and evaluate the dogs on October 18-19. Some of the dogs were evaluated twice in different environments.

She found that 27 dogs were not aggressive, but some of them will need more rehabilitation and extra care. The two cats and all 17 Bully dogs have already been picked up by rescues.

Ms. Greene plans on contacting out-of-state rescue organizations about rescuing the other dogs that were found to be non-aggressive. She said because of the high-profile nature of the criminal case surrounding the seizure of these animals, they will not be available for adoption or rescue locally. They will also not be posted on the animal shelter’s website or social media.

Ms. Rivera found that 11 of the dogs she evaluated were “not safe candidates for going into home environments.” Because they were trained to fight, they would not be safe around other dogs and people, she reported, adding that they have a mentality to fight.

Because these dogs are a liability and are unpredictable and dangerous, these 11 dogs will unfortunately have to be euthanized, Ms. Greene said. Two of them have already bitten staff members and tried to go after other dogs, she added.

“Smith County greatly appreciates Ms. Rivera coming in to evaluate these dogs, and for the Humane Society of the U.S. for donating her time and services to us,” Ms. Greene said. “We learned a lot from her that we can use in future cases.”

Immediately after the dogs were seized, six dogs needed immediate medical attention and were taken to the Spence and White Veterinary Hospital. They are now in the care of Nicholas Pet Haven.