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ANIMAL WATCH - The Dallas Police Department reported last week, that it had rescued over 200 dogs and seized 66 guns, cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl in an operation targeting a dog fighting ring. Some of the Pit Bulls reportedly were adopted immediately from the shelter to “approved homes”—but not as pets—creating alarm among animal lovers and demands to know their destination.
The report by Dallas Police Department, announced a February 11, 2026, raid, dubbed “Operation Fight Club, ” stating that, along with law-enforcement and non-profit partners, the investigation recovered over 200 dogs, dozens of firearms—and a long list of contraband. The dogs were confiscated in what started as an animal-cruelty investigation, but also netted “treadmills, chains and other paraphernalia used in dog fighting.”
The agency assured that “as the investigation continues, arrests for dogfighting and additional crimes will be announced.”
The final list of activities during this raid was expanded to “removal of 207 dogs from multiple properties, along with 11 shotguns, 28 rifles, 21 pistols, six revolvers, 534.4 grams of cocaine, 577.5 grams of marijuana and fentanyl pills, plus treadmills, chains and other paraphernalia.”
Dallas PD thanked its law-enforcement and non-profit partners, including the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for assistance in making this possible.
(See also: Dog Fighting in the U.S. – Rescuing Pit Bulls Does Not Mean They Are Saved.)
Pit Bulls Were Removed but Are They Really Saved?
“OUTRAGE AT DALLAS ANIMAL SERVICES!! ”
The next day the following post appeared on the Facebook page: “Breaking News Crime in Dallas:”
“Dallas, TX – People are demanding answers after three pit bulls — known as Jake, Spot, and one unidentified pit bull— were handed over for free to a group of suspicious men at Dallas Animal Services on Tuesday, August 12th.”
Witnesses say the men showed no real interest in finding loving pets, only repeating they wanted to “get dogs.” Outside, those fears were confirmed — the dogs were reportedly manhandled and shoved into a truck. (Fears then increased about the reality of the claim of them being used for the very dreaded and dangerous practice of“hog-dogging”– using the dog to kill wild boars.
“Animal advocates say these dogs must be found immediately and welfare checks done at any location they may be. Many are questioning on-line why obvious red flags were ignored and why this adoption was approved.”
“Shelters across Texas are overcrowded, but that doesn’t mean pushing animals out the door to anyone with a pulse. Judgment matters,”one comment read.
Another followed:“Apparently they already did a welfare check on the dogs but they didn't find anything suspicious.”This received the following response: “So u mean To tell me they haven’t run the plates to know where they live?”
Reply: “Knew this was going to happen when they announced free adoptions.”
Response: “Teague police already conducted a welfare check. The people are a known family in the area. The dogs are going to be used for hog hunting.”
And then one final question appeared:
“Just out of curiosity why didn't people adopt them if they care so much?”
The above discussion also brings up the question of why any animal shelter would consider “hog-dogging”a humane activity for Pit Bulls or any dog and also concerns about multiple fighting dogs being adopted to the same home and used for a purpose which could allow them to potentially attack each other, rather than a hog that is being hunted.
FROM DOG FIGHTING TO HOG-DOGGING
Wild boar hunting using dogs (hog-dogging) is legal in TX; and, without a license in many areas, used as a method of mitigating overpopulation of this very destructive species. However, dogs used specifically to kill the giant pigs will certainly never find real homes, nor should they be allowed to live around children and pets, because of the potential for unpredictability (called “flashbacks”in humans.)
What Are the Rules for Wild Hog Hunting in Texas?
A valid California hunting license and a wild-pig validation are strictly required to hunt feral hogs (wild pigs) in California. . As of July 1, 2024, regulations require both a license and a validation, as wild pigs are classified as big game.” There is no daily bag limit, and the season is open year-round. “As for hunters, the sheer numbers of wild hogs that are damaging various farmlands in Texas make this wild hog hunting not just an exciting venture but a requirement for landowners.”
BE CAREFUL OF RE-HOMING PIT BULL-TYPE DOGS
The following information and photos of “Hog Dogging” is provided to alert California dog owners (especially owners of Pit Bulls and other Bully breeds), and encourage all residents and law-enforcement agencies—including animal control and humane societies--to be cautious of rehoming a pet Pit Bull-type canine with anyone who indicates it is wanted for “hunting.”
This is not as an endorsement of this brutal “sport” of hog-dogging—an especially brutal killing--which require a special State hunting license and is deemed necessary to control an over-population of destructive feral pigs. However, since Pit Bull-types are commonly used for this purpose nationwide, it is important to emphasize the importance of never giving away Bully-breed dogs or other hunting breeds to strangers.
Here is California hog hunting regulation/policy, or under the laws and limitation of the particular State where it occurs.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EXPERIENCE “HOG DOGGING?”
If you are a hunter and curious about the experience, below is some random discussion about varioius aspects:
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
3 Hr Hog Hunt $149 + Loaner boom boom if needed TOTAL: $237.00
Bachelor Party All-Inclusive Hog Hunt Packages
1 Day $275 Hog Hunt, Hunt Unlimited Hogs & Sizes ($375 Value)
The above claims to include a “guide, prime hunting ground gun loaners, ammo, and everything you need for an unforgettable hog-hunting experience.”
Hard Core Hog Dogs – Not an endorsement, but available to appease curiosity
John MacPherson put together a three-part series for his television show called, 704 Outdoors Unfiltered while hunting with the Hard Core Hog Dogs, on a large parcel of agricultural in the southeast U.S., according to this source. "Hogs are known as a nuisance species throughout the region, and hunters can pursue hogs in a number of ways," he says.
It is also necessary to understand every aspect of cruelty to animals – if they must be shot because of overpopulation or eradicated due to contagious diseases or dangerous invasions threatening humans and/or their habitats, then it is good to understand the most humane way to accomplish this.
Although the original dogs used for this purpose were not the modern Pit Bull, there was a similarity. Today Pit Bulls are commonly used due to their innate skill in firmly grabbing and holding a vital area and inflicting fatal wounds by shaking and ripping the flesh; thus, insuring its death due to tissue damage and/ot, ultimately, blood loss.
Hog hunting with 704 Outdoors Unfiltered
“Hog hunting is legal throughout the Carolinas, where wild hogs are considered a nuisance species, and hunters can pursue killing them in a number of ways,” he says.
But these hunters also use some high-tech equipment. When the dogs get on the trail of a hog, they can run that hog for miles. And even though they raise plenty a ruckus, it can often be difficult for hunters to pinpoint exactly where they are. The detailed maps on handheld units (above) identify each dog, helping hunters stay informed of their whereabouts. (Photo courtesy of 704 Outdoors Unfiltered)
“But hog-dogging is a different story all together. Guns are not involved in these hunts. It’s hogs versus dogs, with mankind coming in for the kill with nothing but knives.”
“Things started out on a cold morning, with the hunters hauling their well-trained dogs into place. Once the dogs were let loose, it didn’t take long for them to bay a wild hog, and the hunters sprang into action, tracking through the woods.”.)
. (Photos courtesy of 704 Outdoors Unfiltered)
“Catch Dogs” (often Pit Bulls) Go In for the Kill
“One of the most interesting aspects of this type of hunting involves the catch dogs, which are held back in reserve while the other dogs give chase. Even as the hunters approach amid the chaos, the catch dogs stay pretty well glued to the hunters until given the command. And once that happens, things definitely kick up a notch,” he writes.
“While the other dogs keep the hog cornered, the catch dog charges in, latching onto the hog with ferocity. That’s when one hunter grabs a hog by the back legs, flips it, and sticks a knife straight to the heart. In some ways, this is the most primitive way of hunting most outdoorsmen will ever experience.”
AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY – THE LUST TO KILL
No matter how much the “catch dog” seems to enjoy the experience, this is dangerous and sick activity. And, Pit Bulls, which are a common choice for the final “kill,’ and who want to please their masters, may just end up just the replaceable victim of his/her blood lust.
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee and a long-time animal welfare advocate. A contributor to CityWatchLA, she is known for her investigative reporting on animal shelter operations, misuse of public funds, and the dangers of poorly regulated pet adoption policies. She is a strong proponent of public safety in animal control, advocating for stricter oversight of aggressive dog breeds, especially pit bulls, and for breed-specific legislation.)
