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Investigating Animal Cruelty 37 to a spoke projecting from a rotating central shaft, the dog chases a small animal such as a cat, rabbit or chicken who has been caged or tied to a leading spoke just ahead of the dog. The exercise continues as long as the dog remains interested, and the dog is sometimes allowed to finish off the animal at the close. Sand or cottonseed is sometimes added to the running area and weights or drags may also be attached to increase resistance and build endurance. Some trainers have been known to run their dogs alongside vehicles for miles on rural roads and others have forced dogs to swim for increasing duration in water tanks, swimming pools and rivers. NOTE: While the use of an animal as bait is not legal, investigators should be aware that the running part of the training activity may also be employed to train dogs who compete in confirmation and weight-pulling contests, which are legal in most states. But keep in mind that legal confirmation and weight-pull competitions and illegal dogfighting are not mutually exclusive activities—dogs may be entered in both. The springpole is another device commonly used to condition the dog for the pit. A springpole involves a hide, inner tube or other material that is suspended from a heavy spring or sapling pole that the dog can bite and hold onto. This exercise builds not only the leg muscles from jumping but also the jaw muscles from gripping the hide as the trainer shakes the dog and tries to loosen the hold. Another piece of equipment used in many keeps is the flirtpole. This device consists of a pole with a lure attached to it. The trainer runs the lure along the ground so the dog can chase it. Occasionally, the dog is allowed to catch and worry the lure, whatever the lure might be. Although many dogfighters employ one or more of these methods as part of their keep, it is important to realize that keeps are highly individualized. Some fighters keep detailed records of their training and conditioning programs while others have a haphazard approach. Vitamins, drugs and veterinary supplies used in dogfighting Although many of the following vitamins, drugs and veterinary supplies have legitimate uses, they are commonly found in connection with illegal dogfighting operations: Vitamins • Magnum supplement (source of seven different vitamins and minerals) • Provim (stress supplement) • Vitamin B-12 (injectable) • Liver and iron extract (used with injectable B-12 to increase red blood cell level, which increases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen) • Canine red cell (vitamin and iron supplement) • Clovite conditioner (vitamins A, D and B-12 supplement) • Stress-Dex (oral electrolyte with vitamins) • Vitamin B-15 (acts as catalyst to allow red blood to carry approximately 25 percent more oxygen and decreases lactic acid in muscle) • Energy Plus (used as a booster for dogs not reaching peak performance level) Drugs • Speed (amphetamine pills, capsules or injectable solution for stimulating a tired dog) • Dexamethasone (Azium—an anti- inflammatory agent that reduces swelling, delays shock and relieves muscle pain and soreness) • Hormones and androgenic steroids (testosterone derivatives used to build muscle mass and increase aggression) − Common brands: º Hormones: testosterone, Propionate, Repotest, Probolic Oil º Steroids: Winstrol V, Dinabol EquiPoise) Specialized cases


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