NC judge orders dogs from fighting ring destroyed

WILKESBORO, N.C. — A North Carolina judge has ordered that more than 125 pit bulls be destroyed even though animal advocacy groups offered to have the dogs evaluated before determining their fate.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported that Superior Court Judge Ed Wilson Jr. ordered Monday that the animals seized from a dogfighting ring be destroyed. County officials said Wilson didn’t have a choice because of state and county laws regarding the definition of dangerous dogs.

The 127 pit bulls, including about 60 puppies, were seized Dec. 10 during a raid.

Best Friends Animal Society had offered to pay to have the dogs evaluated and to spay or neuter the adoptable ones.

Three people have pleaded guilty in the case.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)