In a recent interview, Judah Batista, the chief sanctuary officer and co-founder of the Best Friends Animal Society, shed light on the challenges faced by animal shelters and the efforts to rehabilitate dogs involved in dogfighting scenarios. Best Friends Animal Society is a national organization dedicated to preventing animal killings and operates the largest sanctuary for homeless animals in the United States.
Batista explained that encounters with dogfighting situations are not as frequent as one might expect. Instead, the organization is more connected to the challenges shelters face in finding homes for these dogs. However, they do come across such scenarios a couple of times a year, often at a local level.
When determining whether a dog involved in dogfighting can be rehabilitated, one essential characteristic is their people-friendly nature. Tragically, these dogs, often pitbull types, exhibit loyalty towards their owners and may be coerced into participating in fights. However, not all dogs are suitable for rehabilitation, and it becomes even more challenging in states where legislation demands the euthanization of such dogs, regardless of their disposition.
The conversation with Batista also touched upon the rescue of 22 dogs from Michael Vick's notorious 'bad news kennels.' Vick, a former NFL star, was imprisoned for running a dogfighting ring. Best Friends Animal Society was involved in rehabilitating these traumatized and aggressive dogs. While some could be rehomed, others, like Lucas, a champion dog, required lifelong sanctuary care due to their intense aggression towards other dogs. Rehabilitation efforts for these dogs centers around building trust and providing new life experiences, gradually assessing their placement suitability.
The journey to reestablish trust in these dogs varies for each individual. Some may progress quickly, while others require more time and patience. Nonetheless, Best Friends Animal Society remains committed to their mission of ending the killing of shelter animals as a management tool by 2025. They firmly believe that every animal holds value, and by supporting shelters across the country, they can assist law enforcement in dogfighting busts. Providing shelters with resources helps prevent the need for euthanizing other animals in their care.
Batista emphasized the importance of not killing our best friends and encouraged individuals to support their local shelters directly. During dogfighting busts, shelters often become temporary homes for the seized animals, placing an additional burden on their resources. By supporting shelters, the public can contribute to the well-being and ultimate placement of these dogs while also advocating for a society that values the lives of all animals.
The interview with Judah Batista highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat dogfighting, rehabilitate affected dogs, and create a future where no animals are needlessly killed. Through education, support, and compassion, Best Friends Animal Society is striving to make this vision a reality.
