"Astounding Amount of Blood"Michigan City, IN - Tony Mashburn, 29, suffered severe injury during a reported "redirected" attack. Mashburn said he petted two "friendly" pit bulls outside his hotel room before a fight broke out between the dogs. When one of the dogs tried to fight back, the animal clamped down on his hand instead. He told police the dog bit down so hard he could feel bones in his hand break. The owner of the dogs, Russell Spikes, 41, had also been staying at the hotel.

Spikes checked out of the hotel prior to the attack, leaving the dogs. It is unknown why, or if he had a connection to the victim.

The article highlights the issue of dogfighting. Pit bulls were selectively bred to be the "ultimate canine warrior." No one disputes the genetic trait of dog-aggression that lies at the heart of their heritage. As one can see, this aggression is not limited to dogs. Humans and pets are also victimized by pit bull dog-aggression. The article also points out the abundance of pit bulls being bred and that many pit bull buyers don't have "any idea what they're getting."

Animal control officer Alijah Hunter is interviewed in the article. He compares dogfighting to boxing, except that a dogfight match ends when one dog is severely injured or dead. He also explains the three types of dogfighters: street fighters, hobbyists and professionals. Street fighters engage in one-on-one encounters in alleys or garages. Hobbyists pay up to $700 for a dog and use conditioning techniques. Professionals hold high stake events:

"The pro events attract criminal activity involving drugs and guns, Hunter said. The amount of money involved makes it difficult to eradicate. Pro fight bets run in the $10,000 to $20,000 range. Money is collected from entrance fees and concession stands. The amount of money involved makes it difficult to eradicate. Pro fight bets run in the $10,000 to $20,000 range. Money is collected from entrance fees and concession stands. A referee is hired to monitor a "scratch match," where a set of regulations is enforced. But a "dead fight" it's no-holds-barred contest that ends with a death. "The animal is ripped to shreds," Hunter said. "It's unbelievable."

After the Michigan City incident, both dogs were put down by animal control due to the severe injuries they inflicted upon each other, as well as upon Mashburn. To report dogfighting, call the Michigan City Police Department at 874-3221; Animal Control at 873-1500; or an anonymous hot line at (800) 750-2746. The Indiana Humane Society will award up to $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in animal fighting.

Related articles:
02/08/09: Elkhart Pit Bull Owner May Suffer Amputation After "Redirected" Attack
12/15/08: Dog Fight Forces Family to Escape Home Through Window
12/05/08: San Antonio Family Watches as Pit Bulls Kill Their Dog
11/28/09: 2007 Investigation Reveals an Explosion of Pit Bulls in Las Vegas
06/17/08: Flashback: Woman Mauled by Pit Bulls in "Redirected Attack"