Bronx Dog Fighting Victim Recovers, Finds New Home

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 12:00pm
Bronx Dog Fighting Victim Recovers, Finds New Home

On the heels of last week’s guilty plea by Raul Sanchez for his involvement in a Bronx-based dog fighting operation, we are thrilled to report that many of the dogs are thriving in their new lives as beloved pets.

In November, we told you a very happy story about Ninja, one of the dogs we rescued and rehabilitated, who found a wonderful forever home. Now we have another heartwarming success story to share: Mona Lisa, who was one of 50 dogs we rescued in June from that dark, dingy Bronx basement, recently went home to a loving family.

Mona now lives with two loving pet parents in a spacious house overlooking 50 mountainside acres, where she takes frequent hikes with her new dog sister, Zelda. Her other favorite activities include snuggling with Zelda by the fireplace and lounging on the couch with her new pet parents.

Mona Lisa’s journey to adoption wasn’t easy. After her rescue, she was transferred to one of our partner shelters, The Animal Support Project, Inc. (TASP) in Cropseyville, New York.

“When Mona arrived at the shelter, she cried and whined like a hyena and was extremely anxious, usually sitting pitifully at the kennel door,” says Melinda Plasse of TASP. But after plenty of attention, care and time to recover, Mona made great progress. “She is outgoing,” Melinda reports, “loves belly rubs, and is kind as can be to children and other animals.”

When we picture Mona Lisa romping around in the woods with her new family, we can’t help but smile. We’re working to make sure that animals nationwide won’t continue to suffer due to the cruel practice of animal fighting. Last week, legislators reintroduced the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which would make attending an organized animal fight a federal offense and would impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to an animal fight.

Please join us in our efforts by asking your own House representative to support this important humane legislation.

Tags: 
Adoption
Advocacy
Animal Cruelty
Dog Fighting
NYC
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Comments

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:39 — Pam Cross (Visitor)
Pits get such a bad rap. Anyone interested in who pits really are should read the book "I'm a Good Dog." It is a short, easy read that all legislators should read before ever considering any BSL. Where you sow love you will grow love. And pits will accept that love at any stage of their lives. Let's give them the chance they so deserve!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 13:22 — Emily (Visitor)
So glad you mentioned this book. I have the book also. I have two adopted pit-bulls. My family believed the hype about pit-bulls. So, I bought this book and gave my mom a copy. She now has a completely different opinion about pit-bulls. It hasn't hurt that she's met my pitties and realized what a wonderful breed they are. Even my bro-in-law who rarely admits he's wrong about anything, told me - I was wrong about pit-bulls. Let's keep up the advocacy for this awesome breed!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 14:24 — Sue (Visitor)
For the ignorant people who classify all dogs into one category and say that pitbulls are mean agressive dogs, another great reference they should look at, or watch in this case, is the show on Animal Planet called Pitbulls & Parolees. When you see the things these dogs have been through but yet how forgiving and sweet they still are towards strange humans, it is just amazing! I don't own a pitbull, I own a cute little beagle, but I'll tell you, when my beagle is no longer with me, and I dread the day when he passes, I am seriously thinking of rescuing a pitbull. Tia on the show is an angel and she rescues these dogs from horrible situations, cares for them, and finds them forever homes that they so much deserve. All people should watch that show since it really does show the wonderful personalities these dogs have. They should also donate anything they can and if you live near New Orleans, where they had to move to because they were thrown out of CA because people didn't want a Pitbull rescue in their town (see, here we go again with the ignorance), you can volunteer your time as well. There's sure alot to do because they take in so many dogs, as many as they can. There is a huge, huge problem with abandoned dogs due to Katrina down there and also a huge fighting problem, a multi-million dollar industry is the levels this problem is now at. What a shame!!

Sun, 02/03/2013 - 19:32 — Peg Hanson (Visitor)
I was one of the ignorant people who believed the "hype" that all Pit's were bad, nasty etc... If it had not been fot Animal Planet Show & Tia Marie I never would have come to love the breed. I am now an advocate teaching my comunity of the realities of the loving nature of the breed. Unfortunately I am allergic to all animals but this does not stop me from educating my community that has dog fighting ast time"

Sun, 02/03/2013 - 18:08 — Robin (Visitor)
Unfortunately pits and other breeds get a bad rap but it is the owner who is responsible for teaching a dog. What will be learned by those that foster bad behavior? Bad behavior in return. It does not matter what you look like, smell like, etc., dogs and cats will love you no matter what - that is unconditional love. Animals, like all living creatures, should be treated with respect and love.

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 16:07 — Carrie (Visitor)
I have my own Mona Lisa, her name is Tula a 14 year old pit. I couldnt ask for a better dog. I am so glad I took her from her previous owner who was abusing her. I didnt realize then that she was training for dog fights. They are the most loyal dogs and have Great Love. Thanks for rescue Mona Lisa.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:42 — Laura (Visitor)
How can people be so cruel? Don't we all wonder that? And yet - thank God for the rescuers and adopters for their patience and compassion. We must be vigilent to find and report these inhumane people and bring them to justice. Additionally, we need to demand from our state representatives tougher penalties for abuses such as these. Thank you to those people who are willing to be the voice for the innocent animals who cannot speak out for themselves. Happy to hear Mona's story. :)

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:42 — Dawn (Visitor)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful article with us. Mona is just darling and what that person did to all those animals makes me sick. God Bless all those wonderful animals and I hope Mona lives a very long and happy life.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:42 — Diane (Visitor)
They do it because they are ignorant, raised in ignorance and without compassion.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 12:04 — Carolyn (Visitor)
Dog fighting is not from ignorance, it is from Satan's cruelty in humans. Was Vick(football player)ignorant? No, he was wealthy and had many luxuries most of us can only dream about. If you can watch dogs fight, bulls stabbed, animals stripped for fur, there is no question as to where you are destined in death. Remember the Romans who fed Christians to Lions? How can one change the heart? I think only by exposing the cruel person to the same conditions as the animal, then perhaps their eyes will open. And even that may not work because cruelty comes from the soul.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:43 — diane stalfiere (Visitor)
Enjoy your new and so so much deserved new life Mona Lisa!! Thank you to her new family that rescued her,you are angels!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:44 — Gari-Ann (Visitor)
What a wonderful story! As a rescue volunteer, I've seen so many horrible cases of abuse and neglect. It's always great to see a happy ending! Enjoy your new life Mona Lisa!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:46 — Jessica (Visitor)
SO happy to hear that Mona Lisa has found a loving forever home!! It disgusts me that people can put innocent animals into these dog fighting rings. I'm just glad that this person was caught and punished--and that these beautiful dogs were rescued from a life of torture. Hopefully all the dogs that were there will end up having a great story like Mona Lisa's!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:47 — Shelly Logan (Visitor)
There's a special place in Heaven for anyone who rescues "Fighting" dogs!!!!!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:49 — Yolanda (Visitor)
I am disguisted with those who are involved with this cruel way of treating these animals. I am an HUGE advocate and wished everyone would hop on this band wagan and let the people who can make a law that will punish these people more than they are now!! it's sickening and these losers might as well commit a murder since they have no heart what so ever to human living things!!!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:36 — Donna (Visitor)
I totally agree with you 200%. Thes people should be hung up and whipped to there, what ever, it is disgusting .

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 11:08 — sheila stephens (Visitor)
you can count me in. if we protest somewhere we could wind up in jail, how sad, yet these people get away with murder. I'd be willing to spend the night in jail to save these animals

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:50 — Bonnie (Visitor)
This always appalls me that people have so little time on their hands that they feel the need to subject poor animals to such cruelty only for the simple pleasure they seem to derive from this and also for the monies they make for such a disgusting act. They "should" be prosecuted to the full extent.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:50 — Martha Waltien (Visitor)
I couldn't stop myself from crying when I read about how so many dogs have found loving homes. Night to day for them. I have the deepest admiration for all of those who adopted them, but also to the ASPCA and selfless workers who saved animals from lives of hell.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:51 — Lisa Brewer (Visitor)
We really need help here in Vance County. All Pit Bulls or Pit Bull Mix dogs are immediately euthanized unless adopted out of state. Please rescue Annie. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccinations...currently on death row and cannot be adopted here! Contact Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society.They are on Facebook!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:55 — Jena (Visitor)
google some rescues out of state that are breed specific ... call them, and don't give up!!!! i'm here in NC too ... so can not take her !!!!!! Mutts Matter Rescue might help !!! google them

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 13:07 — Denise (Visitor)
Try PETA and go on Twitter for an immediate response! Do it right away because animals are saved that way all the time! I hope you are still reading this board.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 13:07 — Denise (Visitor)
Try PETA and go on Twitter for an immediate response! Do it right away because animals are saved that way all the time! I hope you are still reading this board.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 14:29 — Sue (Visitor)
I just wrote a comment about Pitbulls & Parolees, the TV show on Animal Planet. Tia has travelled to different states on the show a few times to rescue pitbulls on death row. Try contacting her and if she can go she will. Don't know if you watch that show, but she's in New Orleans so not that far from the dog. Its worth a try. Can anybody else that's reading these messages adopt that dog? If I lived down there, I'd go and get her myself.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:52 — Sarah (Visitor)
I am so glad that I joined your organization this year. Enjoy very much reading about your successes and diligence in the sometimes struggle it seems to protect our precious animals. thank you for all you do...

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:52 — Jena (Visitor)
they need to enforce better laws and get the police involved especially in rural areas where dog fighting is still going on every weekend. People here are running around telling everyone how they went to a dog fight, but no one does anything about it. If you go to the police the do NOT care !!!! Its really hard to find someone that you can tell about it and that would actually care or do something!!!!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:55 — Toni M Dukeman (Visitor)
I am so happy to see that Mona got a loving home. Pits do get a bad rap, as did Dobermans & Rotties! It's so sad that there are so many sick and ignorant people out there who would engage in this horrific sport. It's disgusting! Good for you Mona Lisa! And good for you folks at the ASPCA who went into that hellhole to rescue all those dogs!!!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 09:56 — Ann Dietrich (Visitor)
Animal abusers should spend time in jail and pay very high fines for their actions. Stronger laws must be enacted and enforced to protect these poor helpless creatures who give so much love and devotion and ask for so little. We need need to get these cruel abusers off the streets.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:01 — D Murphy (Visitor)
Beautiful, beautiful girl

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:01 — Marlene J Prout (Visitor)
Thank you so much to those who have given good homes to the pets that need them! More kindness is needed. Please help.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:01 — Rescue (Visitor)
The only way to put a stop to all animal cruelty is for people to become more aware of what is going on and step up to the plate and report the abuse. This is not limited to animal, abuse of any kind both to people and animals. Many people say they do not want to get involved because they are afraid. Fear is your own worst enemy. If you do not stand up and take action nothing will ever change. You can make an anonymous report and make a difference. It begins with you. Thank you to all who adopt the abused animals. I have adopted a number of them. All are loving pets that now have a good life.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:06 — Jena (Visitor)
BUT THEY CAN NOT CHARGE OR CONVICT ANYONE UNLESS THEY CATCH THEM WHILE A DOGFIGHT IS IN PROGRESS ... YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GIVE THE POLICE OR HSUS A TIP ABOUT A DOGFIGHTER, BUT THEY WILL NOT SIT THERE AND WATCH THE PERSON AND WAIT FOR THEM TO GO TO FIGHT THEIR DOGS, ALSO THOSE IDIOTS ARE SLICK, THEY CHANGE THE AREA EVERYTIME, NO ONE WHO ATTENTS A FIGHT GETS THE LOCATION OF THE FIGHT UNTIL RIGHT BEFORE THEY ARE GETTING READY TO GO THERE ... THEY AIN'T STUPID ... YOU HAVE TO REALLY WATCH THEM MF'S IF YOU HAVE EVIDANCE ... OR SEE DOGS HURT OR INJURED THEN AC MIGHT GET INVOLVED AND CHECK UP ON THE DOGS... ITS REALLY HARD CATCHING THEM PEOPLE... IF MORE PEOPLE WOULD GET INVOLVED THERE MAY BE HOPE FOR THEM POOR LITTLE DOGS ...

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:01 — murly (Visitor)
Mona Lisa is proof--as if we needed more--that all any dog needs is love and care, and they will return loyalty and affection. It breaks my heart to think of what these dogs go through before they are rescued. Dog fighting should definitely be a felony and the people who engage in this disgusting practice should be treated as harshly as the law will allow.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:01 — Pamela Rojo (Visitor)
What a beautiful story. I wish people would realize the rewards in adopting a rescue dog. We have a boxer who is 9-1/2 now. We got him when he was 10 weeks old but when we got him he would cringe if you brought your hand anywhere near his face, he was afraid of noise, he was terrified of a leash, if someone spoke in anger or yelled he would cower and visibly shake. Even now you can look at him and see how unsure he is at times. He's 70 pounds of energy, love and happiness but we wonder what he went through before we got him. We foster dogs for rescue groups and we have adopted a mini pin/chihuahua for my mom and dad and we see all the time the success stories of rescues but it is gratifying to see that there are people who will give these abused animals a second chance. It may take more dedication and attention to be a foster mom and dad or to rescue an abused animal but the rewards are unbelievable and worth every effort you might have to give. Don't buy a pet store animal or a breeder animal - instead get a rescue animal. You will be amazed how grateful they are and how much they appreciate every single moment you spend with them.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:02 — Diane (Visitor)
If this story about dogfighting and our lax laws angers you, I urge you to research the voting records of your elected representatives. Little will change without stronger laws. If your representative has voted against stronger laws, let them know how you feel at election time.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:02 — Julie Mack (Visitor)
This story is so preciously happy, I teared up reading it. I am so happy that you are able to report such positive outcomes. Every single animal deserves a happy, healthy, loving home.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:04 — Pamela Rojo (Visitor)
And I am THRILLED that is now a criminal offense to attend a dog fight! These fights are put on because they are big money sports. If they arrest the people who attend the fights they can go a long way in shutting them down. If they aren't profitable the low lifes that fight these animals will be put out of business. They are in it only for the money. Make it unprofitable to fight animals and they'll move on to other things to make their money.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:05 — Gina (Visitor)
HATE THIS BEYOND WORDS!! I KNOW T O PUNISH THESE PEOPLE AS IN AN EYE FOR AN EYE MAKES ME JUST AS BAD AS THEM but man I would like to see them really afraid like they made these helpless wonderful beautiful dogs feel!! GOD please intervene with this stuff

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:08 — Keimei J (Visitor)
Dogs are a blessing why would anyone treat these babies this way? Reading these stories are a gift and curse for me it's so saddening to read what these babies went through but to read that they overcame mistreatment brings a smile to my face.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:08 — Terry Dixson (Visitor)
As a part time volunteer for ASPCA that worked with these dogs this past summer, it was one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of my life. These dogs, so desperately wanting human interaction and compassion, and despite everything they had been through, were fantastic to work with. Two special dogs in particular stole my heart. "Romeo" and "Guido". They loved people, but thanks to the inhumanity of Mr. Sanchez and the training to fight they went through and were unable to overcome, these two beautiful souls had to be humanely euthanized. On my last day at the rescue site and knowing their fate, I laid on the floor in front of their kennels and loved on them like there was no tomorrow. Literally, no tomorrow. They left this cruel world knowing that people cared, knowing what it was like to be loved and knowing that not all human beings were lousy people. Mona Lisa- you're one of the lucky ones and I wish you the best life ever! To Romeo and Guido, I will never, ever forget you and the others that went with you, and I pray that you have somehow found the love, compassion, peace and joy you were stripped of in this life...........

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:19 — ADELE (Visitor)
God Bless you for doing what you do for these animals. I read your comment and started to cry for these two dogs. How sad that this had to happen to these dogs. Mr Sanchez should go to jail and stay there. These dogs want to be loved and be with a good family. The dogs have feeling too and know when you love them or mistreat them.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 15:24 — Sue (Visitor)
Thank you so much for doing what you did for these 2 dogs and staying with them the whole night before their demise. At least they got to feel a little bit of kindness and love. That is reallly too, too bad and so sad.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:08 — Marilyn (Visitor)
Reading about dog and animal abuse makes me almost sick. I'm so glad for people like the ASPA who are there for these precious animals.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:09 — MARISOL (Visitor)
Im so happy Mona Lisa found a loving environment. No animal should be put through whas shes being through and thank God she was able to be loved and re-habilitated. I hope these criminals are prosecuted.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:09 — MARISOL (Visitor)
Im so happy Mona Lisa found a loving environment. No animal should be put through whas shes being through and thank God she was able to be loved and re-habilitated. I hope these criminals are prosecuted.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:09 — Melissa (Visitor)
I am so glad to see that Mona Lisa for a Forever Home. She deserves to be happy. It just makes me sick to my stomach to read how people can be so cruel to animals. They need to punish these people that organize/attend dog fighting events. We need to establish a stronger law against this type of behavior and save our beloved animals from being subjected to such violence. I pray for all these dogs that they find loving homes. Thank you ASPCA for sharing such a touching story!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:10 — Debbie Apuzzo (Visitor)
It always amazes me the cruelty of some humans,if you can call them that, perpetrate on innocent loving animals. It brings me joy to see that they are getting into loving homes where they can enjoy being a dog with all the benefits of a family!

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:10 — Maria Z (Visitor)
Society should euthanize bad pet owners-PERIOD

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:11 — ADELE (Visitor)
I am so happy that these dogs were rescued and will go to good families. Mona Lisa looks just like my dog I had Bosslina. We called her Boss for short. We miss her still very much after 6 years. She was 100 years old in dog years. She was a great dog.

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:11 — Veronica McCarthy (Visitor)
I just don't get it. Let the punishment fit the crime. Put these people in a pit & let them go at each other until they are all gone. God don't like ugly. These people are the ugliest inside and out. Congratulations to Mona Lisa's new pet parents for your new family member.

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