"Report Dogfighting Hotline" developed for Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- After 23 dogs were seized and 13 people were arrested in Milwaukee as a result of a multi-year investigation into an alleged dogfighting ring -- the Brew City Bully Club has announced it has worked with law enforcement to develop a "Report Dogfighting Hotline."

The executive director of the Brew City Bully Club, Michelle Serocki, has been working since 2010 to eradicate dogfighting, abuse and neglect of dogs, especially in urban areas of Milwaukee. In 2013, she worked with a select group of Milwaukee police officers to establish the “Report Dogfighting Hotline.”

Citizens that believe there is dogfighting activity, or neglect or abuse of dogs, are encouraged to anonymously call the hotline at 414-688-0899 or email their concerns to www.saveadog@brewcitybullies.org.

Serocki commends the people who reported suspicious activity to police in the recent dogfighting bust.

"Our tipline wasn't available at the time this person made their complaint. The easier it is for the public, the more complaints and reports we'll see MPD following up on,” said Serocki. “If people could see the devastation that dogfighting causes to these innocent dogs, they would want this activity stopped immediately and the perpetrators prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.”

Serocki has worked with dogs in rescue operations from the two largest dogfighting busts in U.S. history, named for the location and number of dogs involved, the “Missouri 500” and the “Alabama 367.”

She is optimistic that dogs confiscated and taken to MADACC in Milwaukee will be like the vast majority of the dogs in the Missouri and Alabama busts, who were able to be rehabilitated and rehomed into loving families that can include other dogs, cats, kids and any other typical family members.

Formed in 2008, Brew City Bully Club is a leader in southeast Wisconsin and throughout the state for rescue, owner and community support and education and awareness-raising. BCBC fulfills its mission by providing high-quality programs aimed at alleviating suffering of Milwaukee-area pit bull type dogs, encouraging and facilitating responsible, loving dog ownership and raising awareness for the positive potential of pit bulls as cherished pets in our communities.