AG Tong seeks state custody of pit bulls seized in Meriden

“Dog fighting is cruel and illegal. These pit bulls were viciously abused and conditioned to be aggressive and violent fighters,” Tong said in a statement released by his office. “A multi state police investigation is ongoing and those responsible for these heinous crimes will be held to justice. We are moving today for permanent state custody to ensure the safe care of the abused dogs.”

When Connecticut State Police raided a home at 109 Britannia St. in Meriden on July 31 they seized

8 pit bulls who were in cages in the backyard. Police also found portable dog fighting rings and turf stained with what is suspected to be animal blood.

Tong said police also seized leashes, hanging ropes designed to strengthen dogs’ jaws and neck muscles to improve biting, dog treadmills, a bicycle and attached harness designed to force dogs to run, “break stick” knives to force dogs’ jaws to open after bites, a whip, electronic animal scales, electric collars, and weighted vests.

“Dog fighting is cruel and illegal. These pit bulls were viciously

abused and conditioned to be aggressive and violent fighters,” Tong said in a statement released by his office. “A multistate police investigation is ongoing and those responsible for these heinous crimes will be held to justice. We are moving today for permanent state custody to ensure the safe care of the abused dogs.”

Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt urged anyone with knowledge of dog fighting to report it to police.

“Dog fighting is a despicable illegal underground activity with negative ramifications for the domestic animals subjected to this abuse,” he said.

JESSICA HILL/AP FILE Connecticut Attorney General William Tong speaks to the media during a watch party for the Democratic National Convention, at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford last year. Tong said Friday he plans to seek state custody of dogs seized in a raid in Meriden in July.