Community Corner

Reports of Missing Dogs Down, But Abandoned Dogs on the Increase

Save Our Pets will have its first fundraiser Saturday at Little Manatee River State Park.

Reports of missing pets in the South Shore area have decreased following publicity surrounding fear that pets were being stolen to use in dog fighting rings.

Nevertheless, an animal rescue group formed as a result of the missing dogs plans to continue to bring awareness about the horrors of dog fighting and to rescue as many dogs as possible.

Frances Poirrier of Wimauma, founder of Save Our Pets Tampa Bay, still cries when she considers the fate of her two dogs, Stripe and Bodie. Stripe, a German shepherd, went missing from her backyard in January. Bodie, a pit bull mix, went missing in May.

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"Our greatest fear is these dogs were being used as bait dogs in dog-fighting rings," Poirrier said. "They take a bait dog and tie it to a tree and then let the fighting dogs attack and kill it for practice. It really is horrible, and it breaks my heart just thinking about it."

When she began talking to neighbors, Poirrier realized that dozens of dogs are missing in the South Shore area. Neighbors reported a suspicious black Chevy pickup truck patrolling neighborhoods. They suspect the truck's owner was luring the dogs with treats and then capturing them.

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"But since we've had all this publicity, no one has seen the truck and no one has reported their dog missing," Poirrier said. "In fact, we're finding dogs that have scars and sores and look as if they've been in dog fights.

One such dog, who she's named Victory, is now living with Poirrier.

"She was found wandering near a home in Wimauma three weeks ago," Poirrier said. "She was scared, emaciated and had scars all over her. She had had multiple litters and seems to have some nerve or back damage because she can't control her bladder or bowels."

However, with food, attention and veterinary care, Poirrier said Victory is a different dog today.

"When she first came here, she would get excited and want to fight with the other dogs. Now she's learning to play with them," she said. "After all she's been through, she still loves people and loves life. She has such spirit."

Poirrier said she's especially grateful for the help of Dr. Raul Rivera of FishHawk Animal Clinic, 15264 Fish Hawk Blvd., Lithia.

"I walked into the clinic crying with this dog. All I had was $30 in my pocket," Poirrier said. "Dr. Rivera told me not to worry; he'd take care of the dog."

Since then, an account has been set up for Save Our Pets Tampa Bay at FishHawk Animal Clinic for anyone wishing to donate to the care of the dogs they've found.

The group also has been assisted by veterinarian Dr. Steven Fox of Fox & Friends Animal Hospital in Ruskin.

"It's a big problem," Poirrier said. "We're rescuing dogs almost every day. We got a call just yesterday about three dogs seen wandering in a wooded area with chains around their necks and scars on them. One of them looked to be injured. When we got out there, the dogs were gone, but we're going to keep looking for them."

To help fund the veterinary care of the dogs, as well as raise awareness, Save Our Pets Tampa Bay will host its first fundraiser Saturday at Little Manatee River State Park on U.S. 301, five miles south of County Road 674.

"We'll have a barbecue, hot dogs, games, live music and a kayak poker run for anyone who wants to participate," she said.

The event starts at 11 a.m., and the kayak poker run will take place at noon.

"We'll also have adoption dogs out there, educational materials about dog fighting and other rescue groups," Poirrier said.

To register in advance for the kayak poker run, email dogfest@yahoo.com.

In the meantime, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's investigation into the missing dogs is still open. Anyone who believes his dog has been stolen is urged to make a report to the sheriff's office, case number 378158.

"I try not to focus on the loss of my dogs," Poirrier said. "Instead, I focus on the good that's come out of it, the many wonderful people I've met and the pets we've been able to save."

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