S.C. prosecutors: We’re coming after cockfighters

December 10, 2009 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Animal cruelty laws, Birds, Cruelty watch, animal rights

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Nearly a century after South Carolina lawmakers outlawed cockfighting, prosecutors said Thursday they’re taking on the ringleaders to send a message such violence — still prevalent in rural areas — will no longer be tolerated.

Meanwhile, an attorney for an accused supervisor said the centuries-old tradition is no more cruel than hunting sports, involves no more money than changes hands at a college football game, and shouldn’t be illegal at all.

“One’s illegal only because someone says it’s illegal,” said attorney Rauch Wise. (more…)

Missouri tries to shed puppy mill reputation

April 06, 2009 By: Krisha Williams Turbeville Category: Animal cruelty laws, Cruelty watch, Dogs, Pet scams, Small pets, pet health

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SENECA, Mo. — When authorities raided J.B.’s Precious Puppies, they discovered more than 200 dogs standing in their own excrement, crammed three and four to a cage. Some were so sickly they were missing clumps of hair. The skeletal remains of puppies and adult dogs were found inside pet-food bags.

The ghastly scene deep in the Ozarks has become far too common in Missouri. (more…)