Dog-Fighting Ring on the West Side?

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jan 17, 2008 5:12PM

A fire on the 3400-block of West Harrison early this morning revealed an apparent dog-fighting ring. Nine dogs were recovered from the basement of the building, and other than one snout injury, the dogs appear healthy.

The dogs were found in cages along with a book on dogfighting, and "there appeared to be a dog treadmill," said Officer Laura Kubiak. Observers at the scene said three of the dogs appeared to be pit bulls.

In addition to the pit bulls, Animal Control also took custody of a great dane, a boxer, a chihuahua and a mastiff. (We know that only adds to seven.) And a...parrot. [slideshow]

Dog treadmills are often associated with dog fighting (but not always, so don't go reporting every pet-gadget fiend you know). More typical signs, according to Chicago Animal Care and Control, are super-aggressive dogs, dogs covered in wounds, and people leaving dogs in abandoned or empty buildings. Dog-fighting is a felony, plus, you know, morally reprehensible.