Death sentence looms for dogs in fighting case

By Ed White Associated Press Writer DETROIT (AP) -- Charlie is described as friendly and playful. Pretty Lady is, too. But unless a judge comes up with a different plan, they and two dozen other pit bulls likely will be euthanized as federal authorities close a dogfighting case in southeastern Michigan. The U.S. attorney's office says Michigan law prevents people from adopting animals used for fighting, even offspring who didn't fight. Federal law "requires us to respect state statutes," Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Ross said. Three men from Lenawee and Huron counties pleaded guilty last year to dogfighting crimes and await sentencing. More than 40 dogs, including some who were chained to barrels, were seized last summer. Some have died. Ross, citing the Michigan law, has asked U.S. District Judge David Lawson to allow the remaining dogs to be killed, including at least eight puppies. Many would otherwise be considered candidates for adoption under certain conditions. A court hearing is set for Feb. 10. In Oakland, Calif., a rescue group called Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls -- BAD RAP -- hopes it's not too late to save some dogs. The Michigan law was "put into effect so that dogfighters would not be selling their dogs. It wasn't so dogs couldn't be evaluated or rescued," co-founder Tim Racer said recently. His group evaluated dogs that were part of the Michael Vick dogfighting case in Virginia. Ten were trained and eventually adopted by others, said Donna Reynolds, also with BAD RAP. The U.S. Department of Agriculture hired a behavioral expert, Chris Conklin of Mason, Mich., to assess some of the Michigan dogs. Several "were completely non-approachable. You could not get close enough," Conklin said. "There were four youngsters who passed without problems. Others were passed with some caveats. They would need some training, and even that would be no guarantee." The dogs are being kept at three kennels across Michigan. The cost of their care comes out of a federal fund that holds money seized from drug dealers and other criminals. Jamie McAloon Lampman, director of the Ingham County animal shelter, said the pit bulls at her facility are extremely aggressive. "They would kill anything of a four-legged variety," she said. Published: Wed, Feb 10, 2010

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