When police officers arrived at 22-year-old Derek McNair’s Fort Lauderdale home, they found 11 female American Staffordshire Terrier/Lab-mix dogs living in horrific conditions. The innocent animals were allegedly used for baiting and breeding in a dog-fighting ring.
Photo Credit: Lisa Mendheim/Broward County Animal Care and Adoption
Some of the 11 animals were kept in cages and others were tethered with iron chains to trees. All dogs showed visible signs of abuse and neglect such as malnutrition, scars, open wounds, and loss of fur.
Authorities investigated this case after receiving a tip from a concern neighbor and Broward Animal Care stepped in to care for the dogs while a case is built and all involved criminals are convicted.
Even though the dogs never received proper care or love, Broward County Animal Care believes the animals are good candidates for rehabilitation and adoption.
“The dogs have responded very well and seem relieved to be out of harm’s way,” said Lisa Mendheim, public education coordinator with Broward County Animal Care and Adoption. “Now the challenge is to find them new and loving homes where they can put this chapter of their lives behind them.”
Rescuers are working along side Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation and No Kill Nation to provide all 11 dogs medical care and behavioral training.
Fort Lauderdale Police continues to investigate this case and are hopeful they will find other members of the dog-fighting ring and all abused dogs. Anyone with information should contact police at 954-828-5700.
