Some of the pit bulls seized from an alleged dog fighting ring in Tilbury are now getting a second chance at life in Florida.
After authorities seized 31 dogs in 2015, seven were deemed good candidates for rehabilitation. 11 puppies were also born while in the care of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and were immediately socialized.
14 of those dogs arrived in Jacksonville on Tuesday.
Grateful and relieved, Robert Scheinberg and his team from Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary in King City have waited two years to free the dogs.
“These dogs deserve to have a home, and to be loved,” said Scheinberg.
Ten of the 14 dogs transported this week will go to the local organization, Pit Sisters, for rehabilitation.
“I’m so happy that they’re here and they’re getting that chance,” Jen Deane, Executive Director of Pit Sisters, said, fighting tears. “And that we get to be a part of it.”
Three dogs from the original group died. The remaining 21 dogs were deemed dangerous since they were born and bred to fight and kill other dogs for alleged, illegal gambling. Euthanasia was recommended.
But the Dog Tales group launched “Save the 21” campaign for a second assessment, which got the attention of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Enrique Iglesias.
After that assessment, an agreement was reached to send the dogs to another facility in Florida.They will arrive on a different transport at a later date.
There are still two matters before the court.
