Workers Worry The Dogs Missing From Animal Shelter May Be Used For Dogfighting

"It's hard to understand, why does anybody want to do this, hurt an animal steal an animal," says animal shelter worker Ruthie Rish.

Rish is talking about Bravehart, she's talking about Brian, about Farmer, and about another little guy...

"Serenity, one of them that was taken...just couldn't find a better dog," says Rish.

The dogs were stolen from the Mary Ann Morris Animal Shelter, in Bamberg. They are just the latest victims...the shelter workers say they've had 15 taken in the last two years.

Shelter workers think the thieves are targeting dogs that have pitbull in them. They think the thieves are training them to fight.

"It's heartbreaking, you have thoughts, you want to go out and find these people and just shake them," Rish said.

But, what those people may not know is that this shelter only accepts mild-tempered dogs.

"Like any dogs, they're going to protect themselves, but they'll ultimately probably get killed," said Rish.

That's why deputies are in on this...trying to figure out who is breaking in and trying to turn these lovers...into fighters.

"They deserve to have a nice home where people love them, not where people treat them horribly, abuse them and neglect them," Rish said.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animanls (PETA) is also stepping in to help. the group sent us an email in regards to a reward they are offering to helop find the dog thieves.

The text of the email is below:

Four pit bull mixes remain missing after one was stolen from the Mary Ann Morris Animal Shelter in Bamberg on November 22 and three more were taken on New Year's Day. "You just can't put a price on these dogs, especially given the fate that they may well have to endure," shelter co-manager Bob Spinazzola told news sources. Pit bulls are often targeted for use in dogfighting, including being used as "bait" during training. PETA is adding up to $1,000 to other rewards for information leading to the safe return of these missing dogs.

"We implore the public to come forward with any tips regarding the whereabouts of these animals," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "The dogs could die horribly if they're not recovered soon."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Bamberg County Sheriff's Office at 803-245-3018. PETA also urges residents not to leave animals outdoors unattended.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.