From the Hur Herald:
A major dogfighting operation in Calhoun County is coming to light, following the death of 87-year-old Edward Barrera.
The Humane Society of the United States says it has been working closely with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation and arrest of an alleged dog-fighter.
Calhoun Chief Deputy Carl Ballengee says 30-year-old Dwayne Smith, a neighbor of Barerra’s, was arrested and charged Tuesday for his alleged involvement in the dogfighting operation.
Smith said, according to a criminal complaint, that hundreds of dogs are buried on the hill behind Barrera’s house, or “numbers he cannot even begin to count.”
In a taped interview, Smith says he buried 27 dogs in one day.
This is the first dogfighting arrest in West Virginia since the state statute was changed in 2003 to list dogfighting as a felony offense.
“It was very clear that the now deceased owner of these dogs had longtime ties to organized dogfighting and Smith was his partner in the dogfighting operation,” said Chris Schindler, manager of animal fighting law enforcement for the Humane Society of the United States.
“The dogs we found were suffering in the bitter cold and bore the scars indicating they were the abused victims of dogfighting. We commend the Calhoun County Sheriff’s department for taking swift action in this case,” said the society.
The HSUS, along with Jo Staats from West Virginia Pit Bull Haven, found many of the dogs had scarring consistent with fighting.
Other evidence of dogfighting such as conditioning equipment, a trailer converted into a dogfighting pit, blood spatter on the walls and blood on the carpet were also found on the property.
Barrera’s computer was also seized following the discovery of his body.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, backed by 11 million Americans. It has been in operation for a half-century.
Both the Humane Society and Pit Bull Haven officials have been in Calhoun this week participating in the investigation.
Deputy Ballengee said the investigation is ongoing.
This area is quite rural, so it would be possible for all sorts of activity to go on without the authorities knowing about it. This is kind of like “Copperhead Road” country.
The man who died was one of the oldest people in West Virginia to be arrested with possession with intent to deliver. Drugs and dogfighting tend to go hand and hand.
I wonder what the investigation will reveal, besides the hundreds of buried dogs on the property.
well *I* wonder whether for a change the HSUS will provide any funds to local rescue groups to house/evaluate the surviving dogs. Their method is to grab the glory for shutting down a dogfighter and then leave the job of saving the dogs to over-stretched,under-funded locals
There is only ONE rescue organization involved…and WV Pit Bull Haven has nothing but praise to sing for HSUS’ involvement.
Thank you for answering this.
can you tell us how many living dogs were rescued and what kind of care you hope to give them? Will you have some other groups helping you care for and evaluate them?
I will not discuss the case as it is an ongoing investigation.
Actually, these questions I can respond to vaguely.
We will handle the care for the 19 dogs that had survived the 2-3 weeks chained to their boxes on heavy logging chains, in teen temps with only snow to quench their thirst.
They will receive whatever care they require, their evaluations are our responsibility…as we’re more than qualified and capable of providing.
Exactly what is your experience and qualifications in judging those actions?
What is my experience and qualifications? oh well: I certainly haven’t been involved with the APBT since you were in diapers, I’m sure.
I just hope your experience doesn’t match others who have been “helped” by HSUS…. finding HSUS using your dogs as fundraising tools, while providing no/little financial assistance.
http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2009/12/04/hsus-fund-raising-pitch-raises-hackles/
They’ve completely changed. Yes
The bottom line is this EmilyS…the contention and divide only continues to harm the overall work to help animals.
You don’t like, trust or appreciate the HSUS. I get it…but have you dealt direct with HSUS?
I am not on a campaign to change anyone’s opinion of them…and frankly find it absurd that something about GOOD things finally happening within OUR state is being overshadowed or scrutinized simply because HSUS SHOWED UP!!!
APSCA didn’t, PETA didn’t, and YOU didn’t.
I don’t say that as a slam, its just the facts…and if HSUS turns the dogs in this case into a campaign feature, well…I guess after all they have contributed to this case (which you know nothing about their involvement beyond assumption)…its not much for them to ask in return.
The REAL story hear is NOT the involvement of HSUS so much as it is the INCREDIBLE people of Calhoun County that stepped up to help these dogs after a very unfriendly, anti-social, and dangerous neighbor passed away and left the dogs to starve….in temps in the teens.
The REAL story here is about a small central county in WV learning the atrocities and abuse involved in the bloodsport of ‘dogfighting’ and not only being repulsed by it but TAKING ACTION to stop it from continuing in THEIR community.
The REAL story here is about people that have worked tirelessly and non-stop, including their sleepless nights to ensure that not only were any others involved in this horrible situation held accountable, but that the dogs would get every chance possible at having a healthy and loving life.
The REAL story here is about a COMMUNITY, a community that was without resources or support when they reached out to other national organizations. The REAL story is about the PEOPLE…they absolutely refused to allow this to go unanswered just because one of the individuals involved died.
These PEOPLE made state history…and deserve to be congratulated and honored for their open hearts and strong wills!
Instead, you want to rant about HSUS…
Actually, there WAS another rescue involved…ours! Cascade Beagle Rescue (a national rescue) was called in and we have already spent hundreds of dollars on these dogs. By the time they are all in their forever homes, the cost will be well over $2,000. Two of the dogs have already been adopted and are doing wonderful. One needed surgery to remove dead tissue and infection from a prior dog bite. The others will be adopted soon. Thankfully, our local WV associates, Hazel & Ed, were able to work cooperatively with authorities and veterinarian extraordinaire, Dr. Gentry, to gain posession of these sweet beagles, who were also chained up in the snow alongside the pitties. It is a perhaps not-so-well-known fact among the general public that beagles are typically found at pit bull fighting operations to be used as training dogs (bait). The whole thing is a tragedy. We are greatful that WV Pit Bull Haven rescued some of the pitties…who have suffered enough in their lives! Now it’s their turn to be loved and cared for. Good work!
~Denise Sproul
President
Cascade Beagle Rescue
Thanks Denise…I’m so glad to know what rescue stepped in for the sake of the Beagles! Dep. Ballangee only knew the dogs were bound for Oregon and were going into a rescue.
Please feel free to email me, we’ll talk more about the medical expenses you’ve incurred with these lil’ guys if you like.
I’m happy to report that one of our girls went to her foster home just today, where she was introduced to 6 new ‘playmates’. She has a long way to go in learning how dogs are dogs, and trusting people in general…however, she’s showing remarkable progress, even though most of her teeth have been pulled and her incisors filed down to nubs (leaving her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth).
Thanks again for all that you do…and just to clarify I was speaking about the pit bulls when I stated that we were the only rescue involved. ;-)
Emily, it would be fairly easy to gauge what groups might get by asking the rescues who participated in taking dogs from the last HSUS dog fighting operation (the Ohio 200) – AFF in NY, BAD RAP, Game Dog Guardian and Hello Bully are a few to try. They all seem to be on pretty good terms with HSUS. In fact, from what I know when I spoke to the rep from the HSUS to see about getting a dog, they weren’t forcing them on anyone and I haven’t heard about any problems with those dogs. Maybe their protocols for dealing with fighting dogs are better than for cruelty cases like the recent Alabama 44.
Don’t forget that it takes a lot of money to work these investigations and coordinate rescue efforts as well, which HSUS does appear to pay for. If we’re going to be critical of HSUS for how they spend their money (and I’m not saying we shouldn’t) we have to be honest with ourselves about what they are funding and what they aren’t.
yes HSUS did a good job on the Ohio case, from all reports.. It was a first. I’m sure you know that NOW they support rescuing fightbust dogs…. it was not very long ago that they howled for the mandatory killing of all such dogs. In fact, they called for the killing of the Vick dogs. Now they see that they can do more fundraising on behalf of live victims than dead monsters. They routinely fundraise using the images and stories of animals that they actually provide NO money for. So excuse me if I remain highly skeptical of where they use the millions of dollars they raise in their anti-dogfighting campaign because little of it goes for the dogs. So far the count is heavily on the “innocent humans whose lives and dogs were destroyed” side, not the “HSUS are heroes” side
It was actually not a first. The first large scale fighting dog rescue they were involved in was the Missouri 500. They have been involved as consultants on others since then as well.
I know they called for killing the Vick dogs. That was horrible and wrong and almost got a lot of wonderful, innocent dogs killed. People change, organizations change. The employees I’ve spoken to in connection with these busts have been people who just wanted to save dogs, and are working 80 hours a week in the fields to do so.
I also live in a city where their anti-dogfighting campaign is providing money for education and free speuter which IS helping. Do you?
And…from the Missouri500, there are some that are STILL in kennels…that HSUS and their employees pay for to ensure these dogs remain safe until a home or a rescue spot opens up for them!
As I said, change takes time…and being a former MAJOR critic of HSUS, I’m the first to say that in relation to dogfighting cases, what HSUS has dedicated to bringing change in favor of the dogs it remarkable and far more than most local 501(c)(3) organizations can fund on their own!!
:-D
He buried 27 dogs in one day? They must have earth moving equipment on site. Also, I’m guessing the 27 carcasses built up over a period of time. Just because he buried them in 1 day doesn’t mean they were all killed in 1 day. I’m curious as to how many dogs are buried there. It sounds like it was an operation that had been in existence for a very long time.
WV LEOs and Elected Officials are in desperate need of training and education to successfully investigate and prosecute dogfighting cases.
So it was only the death of the ringleader that brought these events to light? I guess it’s a good thing he kicked it, then.
What I would like to know, is what role does the HSUS play in this type of situation? Are they the ones removing dogs from the property? Are they the ones interviewing suspects and collecting evidence? Is their priority to see that dog fighting laws are fully enforced? Are they sending more dog handlers or more lawyers?
Just curious.
They are there to help in anyway they can, are asked to, or local officials/rescues need.
We also have some organized dogfights here in the “sivilized” South-Finland. Especially young emigrants, who import they dogs from / thru Russia, are “in the ring”. It is a paradox since most of them are muslims i their origin, but it seems they want be like American gangstas. Certainly other people must be involved in it too, but those guys are the ones I have been talked with about this.
The take-away for me is… how can this be the fist arrest in 7+ years? And why is it that it took the main guy to die before they could put together enough information to arrest…. his neighbor.
Because
1. This county has only one humane officer- as required by law.
2. Property rights are essentially sacrosanct here, unless we’re dealing with royalties to coal, timber, oil, or natural gas.
3. This county has no animal shelter.
4. Most of West Virginia is like this.
Thank you Retrieverman for explaining this so effectively!
I would like to add if I may that this county HO has been talked out of leaving his position TWICE since the seizure because he is so distraught over ‘failing these dogs’.
WVPBH is currently working with Law Enforcement Agencies statewide to provide training and assistance with dogfighting investigations…our goal is to see MORE successfully prosecuted cases in the near future.
HSUS has offered to assist us in this training campaign as well as any future investigation by making Cruelty Investigators available including any tools/knowledge/experience and their [highly criticized by HUMANWATCH] Law Enforcement ONLY training program.
My question, as well. I mean, it sounds like this guy should have been on somebody’s radar before the grave diggers showed up.
These sorts of things happen all the time.
People come to West Virginia to hide.
Lots of drugs going on.
This is such a rural area that if you travel just a few miles, you’re essentially in wilderness.
In general, I’m REALLY shocked that the focus is on HSUS’ involvement instead of the positive FACTS…
WV County Officials, as well as many state level agencies/officials are NOT familiar with dogfighting cases. Its been a long (and I mean YEARS OF WORK) battle to see positive changes take place in our state.
It’s good news that after 7+ years we FINALLY are experiencing some of that change!
I’ve reached out to some of you for help with HOW things work on county levels in WV. (I’m sure you remember how it works here….)
Things don’t change overnight, and while we’ve remained steadfast in accomplishing change…if HSUS had not been involved, WVPBH and Calhoun County would have struggled to accomplish what we have in the short amount of time we have.
I cannot and WILL NOT address any questions directly related to this ONGOING investigation…but I will say that criticizing HSUS is NOT going to accomplish diddly for the animals in WV.
Thanks!
Thanks for being willing to come forward and say what you can about this case, and for reminding all of us to focus back on the dogs instead of our opinions on HSUS. I’m wishing you every bit of luck. Are you allowed to reveal when/where any dogs who pass behavioral evaluation will end up, or what groups might need assistance with them?
Whoops, my bad. Missed where you said you guys had them all. You’re rock stars!
One of the little girls went to her foster home today, she’s sharing it with a hodgepodge of other types of dogs, a few cats and a 40 year old maccall. She was thrilled to see them all…
That’s really great to hear! The resilience of some of these dogs never ceases to amaze me. I’m sure you guys have a long way to go, but I’m sure it’s heartening to have at least one in a foster home and doing well.
Hi I was just reading about the pit-bull ring . Guess what My friend and I are the ones who came to the site and Rescued 4 Beauthiful BEAGLES ( Beagles are the number 1 Pit Bull bait. ) We Belong to a small group Called ARF Animal Rights FUR-EVER we are also members of CASCADE BEAGLE RESCUE of Portland OR 2 of those babie’s have flowen to Portland OR and have already been adopted !!! I will continue to Foster the other 2 until they are adopted. as for the Humane Officer I met him there that day and I do know for a fact that he was very upset about this. Please let him know that the Beagles are very happy, and that we thank him very much Hazel and Ed
Ed Kipp
We were made aware of the beagles by our vet Dr. Gentry who was called to the scene. She asked us to foster the beagles because she was sure we would give them the care and love they deserve. Happy(one of the beagles) has been adopted by a biologist in Oregon. They are very loving and well tempered dogs. These beagles were also chained with heavy log chains and very heavy collars. We are very grateful that we were able to help.
Guys, why it is the sport (or “sport”) of dog-fighting issue that makes doggy people talk?
What about the abused hunting dogs? There are too many of them, if you didn’t happen to know. For instance, abandoned old dogs and dogs with half-shot muzzles or limbs are found regularly every year.
One of bad things that happened as the rural economy has declined is that scenthounds– like beagles– aren’t as valued as they once were.
In West Virginia, it is illegal to hunt deer with dogs, but in neighboring states, it is a tradition. To get their deer dogs, they come through West Virginia and buy beagles. The beagles hunt deer for a season, and because they are so “cheap,” the hunters either kill them or turn them loose into the woods.
I want you to know that the Beagles that were Rescued from the Pit Bull ring in Calhoun County are safe and happy two of them have already been adopted in Portland OR thru Cascade Beagle Rescue. and the other two are with me where they are safe and loved and live in side with my other dogs ( they have a fence in yard and their on doggie door . hazel
So glad to hear it Hazel! The Mountain Curs were also removed and doing well.
Its good to get the update on the Beagles, we’d asked about them but the Oregon update was all that we had!
THANKS for stepping up and helping those little guys, they were so pitiful the day we were there to remove the pit bulls….
Please tell the Humane Officer that I thank him for allowing me to take these babies and my Vet was the one on scene and called and ask me to take them. she was very concerned about what happen to the Pit Bulls !! Now I can tell her they are ok. She told me about PEDA !!!! maybe the frown should be on them and not the Humane Society !!!!! Hazel
I’ll absolutely pass that on to Humane Officer Groves when we return for the prelim hearings at the end of the month! I know he’ll feel better about the little guys that were included in this mess!
Please pass on to your vet that we so greatly appreciate her standing up for ALL of these dogs when PETA asked her to come out and euthanize them. I was horrified when Deputy Ballangee called me on the night of the 9th asking for help and explained what had happened when the vet came out.
Tuffy is adorable, as were all of them…I felt so terrible when we pulled out that night, leaving them behind, but the arrangements were already made so we took comfort in knowing you all were on your way! :-)
oh by the way the BEAGLE steeing on my lap is TUFFY one of the four.
It is very easy to get angry and lump ALL PETA or HSUS people into one big negative category, and no doubt many members of these organizations deserve such criticism, but one must realize that every member of these large “humane” groups do not see eye-to-eye on everything–in fact there is a LOT of dissent and squabbling amongst the various groups and within each group! My observances have been the the upper eschelon of such groups tend to be the pompous, overstuffed holier-than-thou egoists, and aren’t worth wasting spit on. But some of the “field staff”(for lack of a better term) who are genuinely concerned with critter welfare and just do what they have to do to do right by the animals, are super decent, dedicated, and heroic people, and it is unfair(and inaccurate!) to lump them in with the celebrity-mongering “fund-raiser” types. So, yes, SOMETIMES Peta and HSUS folks DO do some good things–it’s kinda like training dogs in dealing with them–applaud and support the good behaviour whenever exhibited, but feel free to disagree with the rest. Ain’t none of us perfect, of course……
….I lived in a backward rural area in the Appalachians for many years, and some of my close neighbors were the most degenerate, abusive humans in regards to their animals I ever saw–but like Retrieverman said, there ain’t much you DARE do about it as a resident of those areas. Where I lived, too–no humane society or shelter for animals–hell, the authorities had their hands full with child abuse and other human crimes; they never got around to the animals! It is VERY HARD to just observe and do nothing, but if you dare speak out, it is very probable you will be burned out and/or killed yourself for doing so. I worried most about my own animals–should I speak out, the first thing done WOULD be to poison or shoot my own dogs/livestock. And where I lived, everyone was VERY closely related(what I term VCR’s!), and no one would even consider reporting a relative/neighbor to the authorities–had I done it, the only “furriner” in the area, they would know instantly who was responsible, and I WOULD have suffered the consequences! I survived by minding my own business and keeping my mouth shut, disgusting as that could be at times! I mostly saw horribly abused hunting dogs–some allowed to starve to death on the ends of chains(often their “punishment” for poor performance)–I sometimes, disguised and at night, snuck food to certain hounds I knew to tide them over, at great risk to myself! Once I “stole” one severely abused Plott hound, and kept him hidden in secret–the most wretched, psychologically wrecked dog I’ve ever seen. In such an area, there just ain’t much you can do, but despite my own general dislike of the unrealistic “humaniac” types, I would applaud(if only secretely!) ANY raids and disciplines these guys could level on such abuse! Unless you’ve lived around and seen such people, it is hard for the uninitiated to imagine–I like to tell people to remember the locals portrayed on the movie “Deliverance”, which most folks know of or have seen. Some of my neighbors made the Deliverance locals look like Ozzie and Harriet Nelson!!! In all, fairness, some of the best, most honorable and upstanding folk I’ve ever met are also from these areas, but, to survive, they too have learnt ta mind thar own bidniss!
oh yes I have passed throu some of those places, and would rather live under a rock myself . I was raised on a farm, and we raised everything , but one thing about my Grandparents whom raised me , was every animal on our place was treated very well right down to the chickens that layed our eggs. Just because we live in rural areas does’nt mean we are all like that I for one would feed my dogs before myself . In some of my travles there are some places in Kentucky that are far worse then West Virgina !! Hazel
I agree with you Hazel. I’ve seen it too that animal abuse happens also in towns and cities, not only in the rural areas. I know many remote farms where animals are treated in the best way.
Hey WV Pit Bull Haven can you tell me when the Prelim Hearing is for this guy ??? If the weather is ok Ed & I & Tuffy may come to it after all Tuffy is evidence’s !!!! I even have the collar that was on him , just wish I could have gotten the LOG CHAIN too !!!Would like to educate my Group here about the bad things that goes on out there. As a very small Group ( ARF) ( Animal Rights Fur-Ever ) we have made great strides here in our county. The county has funded a Building at the shelter That once our Dogs have been pulled by a Rescue they leave the shelter and go into this Building and are kept there until they are transported out to the Rescue that has pulled them. That way they are not subject to anything comming into the shelter. Tuffy Played for the first time yesterday with the other dogs !!!! it has takein him all this time to trust .
Hazel
Hazel,
Email us at info@wvpitbullhaven.com.
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