Police in Daegu, South Korea, have arrested 68 people after a raid on a suspected dogfighting and gambling arena.
Officers say many of the arrestees were caught placing bets on the outcome of animal fights, the South Korean broadcasters TV Chosun and TBC reported.
Police and activists from the animal rights group Korean Animal Welfare Association said the fights were held in an empty lot at an industrial complex near the city.
Officers think the fights were held in a “3-meter by 3-meter iron cage,” with spectators watching the action on camping chairs.
Activists said they discovered “fighting dogs used for gambling purposes” tied up near the venue “in the bushes.” Officers found more animals “chained to the guardrails on nearby roads.”
Investigators said the gamblers wagered “tens of millions of Korean won” on the outcome of the illegal bouts.
When police conducted their raid, most of the suspected gamblers tried to flee the scene. But detectives said most ran into police netting used to block the one-way entrance to the industrial complex.
Dogfighting & Gambling: Police Charge 68 People
“People were gathering near the entrance to escape, vehicles were swarming in, and car horns were blaring,” said a member of the animal welfare charity. “It was absolute chaos.”
Officers said many of the dogs they found at the scene sustained serious injuries. Several animals are currently receiving treatment at veterinary clinics.
The activists said they found one of the dogs in a “horrific condition.” The animal reportedly suffered broken teeth and had a badly gashed leg in an especially bloody contest.
Police have charged the suspects with animal abuse-related violations and illegal gambling. They say they are expanding their investigation into the suspected masterminds behind the gambling operation.
Investigators said they found syringes and a range of illegal drugs used on the injured dogs at the scene.
Punishments are Too Lenient, Say Critics
The maximum penalty for causing injury to an animal for gambling-related purposes in South Korea is two years in prison. Courts can also issue a fine of up to 20 million won (less than $14,000).
Critics, however, say these sentences are unreasonably “lenient.”
Late last year, animal rights activists in the south of the country warned that dogfighting rings were becoming “rampant.”
Court and police efforts to stop illegal dogfighting are “lax,” said the activists. And this has allowed for a “resurgence” in dogfighting and associated gambling in areas including South Gyeongsang Province.
