Cracking Down on all the Michael Vick's Out There

Courtesy of a loyal reader comes news that the ASPCA has established the country's first criminal dogfighting database. Located at the University of California Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab, the Canine CODIS (as it is known) will be used to help prosecute dogfighting operations across the U.S.

The data base contains DNA profiles from dogs that have been seized during dogfighting investigations. The original 400 samples in the database were used by the Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Task Force during an investigation back in July 2009 that resulted in the largest dogfighting seizure ever made in the U. S.

The DNA analysis helps law enforcement officers establish scientific connections between breeders, trainers and ringleaders of dogfighting operations, across multiple states. Using this evidence, prosecutors can help convince a jury that specific dogs and fighters were involved in dogfighting operations, especially in cases where dogs look similar. Photographs are often inconclusive in distinguishing one dog from another.

As more and more samples are entered into the CODIS, by investigating animal welfare officers from around the country, it will become harder and harder to hide these cruel and inhumane practices.