A few of the rescues and investigations where the Forensic Sciences Team has gathered evidence.
Puppy Mills
Garland County, Arkansas—November 2011
The ASPCA helped rescue 175 dogs and puppies from a puppy mill. Our responders also helped collect evidence against its owner, provide shelter and care for the animals, and ultimately prepare to find the dogs forever homes.
Sparta, Tennessee—February 2009
A call from an alarmed would-be puppy buyer alerted authorities to the wretched condition of the hundreds of dogs at this puppy mill. The ASPCA managed the raid and brought 43 of the rescued dogs back to New York City for adoption!
Lyles, Tennessee—June 2008
ASPCA assisted on a horrific puppy mill raid in rural Tennessee—the state's largest on record—revealing more than 700 neglected dogs. This was “one of the worst situations I have ever seen,” says ASPCA forensic vet Dr. Melinda Merck.
Trial of Minnesota Puppy Mill Owner, Kathy Bauck—May 2008
The ASPCA helped secure the animal cruelty conviction of Pick of the Litter Kennel owner, Kathy Bauck—undercover footage depicted injured, ill and emaciated dogs under her care, as well.
Buxton, Maine—August 2007
The ASPCA removed more than 200 dogs from this deplorable puppy mill—so many of the rescued dogs were pregnant, the total count rose to 368.
Animal Fighting
Halifax County, Virginia—April 2011
The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, assisted local and federal authorities in a narcotics, weapons and dog fighting raid in rural Nathalie, Virginia, that led to the seizure of 41 Pit Bulls and Beagles.
Lee County, Florida—September 2010
ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team assisted in what is being described as one of the largest cockfighting busts in Florida history.
Historic Eight-State Dog Fighting Raid—July 2009
The ASPCA participated in an eight-state dog fighting raid, the largest federal crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history, resulting in the rescue of over 400 dogs, most of whom are Pit Bulls.
Randolph County, Alabama—June 2009
When authorities raided two dog fighting operations in Roanoke and Newell, AL, the ASPCA dispatched forensic veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck to collect evidence for the prosecution.
The Investigation and Trial of Michael Vick—April 2007
The ASPCA assisted in the recovery and analysis of forensic evidence from Vick’s property, including carcasses and skeletal remains of numerous Pit Bulls. The evidence helped to convict the ex-football star and three co-defendants.
Animal Hoarding
Elk County, Pennsylvania-June 2010
On June 24, the ASPCA assisted the Elk County Humane Society of St. Mary's, PA in the rescue of nearly 400 cats found living in desperate conditions.
Memphis, Tennessee—October 2009
On October 27, more than 200 dogs and cats living in substandard conditions were seized from the City of Memphis Animal Shelter.
Cazenovia, Wisconsin—May 2009
The ASPCA assisted in the raid of animal sanctuary, Thyme and Sage Ranch, which held the animal control contract for Richland County, WI, and acted as the county's animal shelter.
Tarentum, Pennsylvania—March 2008
In one of the largest anti-cruelty raids of recent times, more than 600 cats living in squalor were seized from the 28-acre Tiger Ranch.