Rescued pit bulls headed to rehab

Three pit bulls seized as part of a dogfighting ring are on their way to California.

Nine dogs were seized Jan. 22 when the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a call that dogfights were being held in Rayville. One man was arrested and nine dogs were seized at the time.

The Delta Humane Society took custody of the dogs at the time and they were quarantined at veterinarian Nan Talley’s office until a court order was issued stating the dogs had to be euthanized under Louisiana state law.

Fortunately for the dogs, the Delta Humane Society was able to work with Assistant District Attorney Penny Douciere to save the lives of the dogs.

Casey Lattimer of the Delta Humane Society was on the road taking other rescued dogs to out-of-state homes when Talley called to warn her about plans to euthanize the dogs.

“I called Penny Douciere and asked if she could give me a day to get back to town and she set up a hearing,” Lattimer said.

Lattimer said help from Talley, Bad Rap Rescue, a California pit bull rehabilitation group which was instrumental in the Michael Vick case, and testimony by a deputy who helped round up the dogs after the initial raid helped her to win custody of all nine dogs at the hearing Feb. 7.

“This is a first for our area where the dogs are routinely put to sleep as soon as they are seized and shows a progressive and compassionate attitude by our DA’s office,” Lattimer said.

With three dogs already on their way to pit bull rehab in California, the others remain to be evaluated and treated.

Lattimer said the bills for board and care total over $1,100 and projected care will be over another $1,000 including spaying and neutering and heart worm treatment for the three males.

“We need your help,” she said. “All of these dogs deserve a life other than the one they have known. Only little Bullet, whose eyes weren’t even open when he was seized with his mama, Daisy, has never known pain. Please help us raise the funds to allow these dogs to go onto happier lives.

To gain more information about the Delta Humane society, visit www.thedeltahumanesociety.com.