August 11, 2009



News Story with Video

The Monroe County Humane Association and the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter assisted Tuesday with an alleged multiple property dog fighting ring bust in Orange County, Indiana. The raid, led by the Indiana Gaming Commission and Indiana State Police resulted in the arrest of one person and the rescue of more than 90 dogs, along with alleged dogfighting paraphernalia. The Humane Society of the United States assisted with the investigation and the raids.

Brian E. Denny, the apparent owner of an operation in French Lick, Ind., was preliminarily charged with possessing an animal for the purpose of animal fighting contests. Nine dogs from the property, some showing scars consistent with dogfighting, and alleged dogfighting paraphernalia were seized from the Denny property.

Eli Taylor, the owner of the property seven miles southeast of Paoli, Ind., has yet to be located. Authorities seized more than 80 dogs from the property finding dogs with injuries and scars consistent with dog fighting.

Veterinarians with Purdue University Veterinary Science Department assisted with the raid and evaluated the seized dogs for evidence of animal fighting. The Humane Society of Missouri led local animal welfare organizations including Albany Floyd County Animal Shelter, Bloomington Animal Care & Control and Monroe County Humane Association with animal handling and transporting of the seized dogs.

Additional law enforcement agencies present during Tuesday's raids include the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, US Marshal Service and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The MCHA extends its gratitude to the Indiana law enforcement agencies involved for their tenacity, dedication and professionalism in making the raid and seizure possible.

It is a Class D felony to own, possess, keep or train a dog for the purpose of dogfighting in Indiana. Those involved in illegal dogfighting can receive up to three years in prison, a fine of no more than $10,000 or both.

The MCHA offers rewards up to $2000 for information that leads arrests and convictions of those involved in animal fighting in Monroe County. If you have information about dog fighting or other animal abuses, please contact the MCHA at 812.333.6242. The HSUS offers up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting through the state and the entire nation.