Animal Rights Group Alleges Cats Used as Live Bait in Illegal NYC Dogfighting Ring

An animal rescue group in New York City claims that stray cats are being used as live bait to train vicious pit bulls for an illegal underground dogfighting ring. The disturbing allegations center around the Gun Hill and Parkland housing projects in the Bronx, where the group says this cruel practice has been going on for years.

Little Wanderers NYC, the animal rescue organization making the accusations, provided disturbing video footage that appears to show helpless cats being mauled by pit bulls as part of a training regimen for dogfighting. "It's straight up animal cruelty," said one of the group's representatives. "These poor cats don't stand a chance against those dogs and are being torn to shreds."

The group expressed frustration at the lack of action from authorities, saying they have called 311 to report the incidents in the past but nothing has been done. They criticized the NYPD, New York City Housing Authority, and ASPCA for not responding adequately to halt the alleged animal abuse.

Why this matters: Animal cruelty, especially in the form of organized dogfighting rings, is a serious crime that often goes hand-in-hand with other illicit activities. The allegations, if true, point to a disturbing trend of animal abuse in underserved communities that lack resources and access to affordable spay and neuter programs for pets.

Little Wanderers NYC argues that the Bronx, in particular, is an underserved area with limited low-cost spay and neuter services, which can contribute to the proliferation of stray animals that become vulnerable to abuse. The Post reached out to the NYPD for comment on the group's accusations and the alleged lack of response, but has not yet received a reply. As the investigation continues, animal advocates hope it will shed light on this horrific form of abuse and spur action to crack down on illegal dogfighting rings abusing cats and other animals in the city.

Key Takeaways

• Animal rescue group alleges stray cats used as live bait for illegal NYC dogfighting.
• Disturbing video footage shows cats being mauled by pit bulls as part of training.
• Rescue group criticizes lack of action from authorities to halt the alleged animal abuse.
• Animal cruelty in dogfighting rings often linked to other illicit activities.
• Lack of affordable spay/neuter services in underserved areas contributes to stray animal abuse.