Dogs Rescued from Philly Fighting Ring Need Loving Homes

Thirteen dogs that were surrendered this week by the leader of an alleged dog fighting ring in Philadelphia are in need of adoption and ready to find loving homes, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA.

The dogs—five adults and eight puppies—were found scarred with injuries from fighting and have been treated for a variety of illnesses in connection to their alleged abusive environment in South Philadelphia, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Carlton Lane, 39, was arraigned Tuesday has been charged with cruelty to animals in connection with the alleged dog fighting operation. He surrendered the dogs to the Pennsylvania SPCA on Wednesday, authorities said.

When the investigation into the dog fighting ring began in October, police said they found the dogs as well as various dog fighting paraphernalia, including treadmills and spring poles.

“The dogs and puppies have responded well to treatment and, although some of the adult dogs still have scars reflecting their painful past, they now are ready to find loving homes,” said Dr. Lisa Germanis, PSPCA’s Director of Shelter Medicine and Forensics.

“Thankfully, the dogs our officers rescued are doing well in our care. But fighting is a brutal blood sport that no dog or puppy should be subjected to,” said PSPCA’S CEO Jerry Buckley. “We take this crime very seriously and are hopeful that the court will impose an equally serious penalty in this case.”

For more information about adopting the dogs, contact 215-426-6300.