Dogs linked to fighting ring will live

DETROIT (AP) - A judge says some dogs seized from a dogfighting ring in eastern Michigan can keep barking.

The Humane Society of Kent County will get ownership of at least 11 dogs that have been living there in western Michigan. Lawyer Bradley Defoe says the group might get to keep another six or seven dogs.

Federal prosecutors in Detroit said state law required the dogs to be euthanized if they were connected to dogfighting, even their puppies. But U.S. District Judge David Lawson had a different opinion Tuesday.

More than 40 dogs were seized last year when authorities filed dogfighting charges against three men. The dogs, mostly pit bulls, were temporarily placed at kennels in Kent, Ingham and Lenawee counties. Some died.

The Humane Society of Kent County has been fighting in federal court to eventually adopt out these animals.

Two other animals in the society's care may also be handed over permanently, but they would come with additional restrictions. If two dogs in question were champion fighting dogs, they would be unadoptable.

The humane society would have to disclose the fact that the dogs were once used as fighting animals to anyone wanting to adopt the animals. The society also would have to implement screening procedures aimed at insuring the animals are adopted for legitimate purposes, which they have agreed to.