臺北新聞熱綫

(AsiaGameHub) –   Authorities in Daegu, South Korea, have taken 68 individuals into custody following a raid on an alleged dogfighting and gambling venue.

According to reports from South Korean broadcasters TV Chosun and TBC, officers stated that a large number of those arrested were apprehended while betting on animal fights.

The location for the fights was an empty plot within an industrial complex on the city’s outskirts, as confirmed by police and members of the animal rights organization Korean Animal Welfare Association.

Police believe the contests occurred inside a “3-meter by 3-meter iron cage,” where onlookers observed from camping chairs.

According to activists, “fighting dogs used for gambling purposes” were found concealed “in the bushes” close to the site. Police located additional animals “chained to the guardrails on nearby roads.”

Investigators revealed that gamblers placed bets amounting to “tens of millions of Korean won” on the results of the illicit matches.

As the police operation commenced, the majority of the suspected gamblers attempted to escape. However, detectives reported that most fled directly into police netting that had been set up to seal the industrial complex’s single entrance.

Dogfighting & Gambling: Police Charge 68 People

A representative from the animal welfare charity described the scene: “People were gathering near the entrance to escape, vehicles were swarming in, and car horns were blaring. It was absolute chaos.”

Officers reported that numerous dogs discovered at the location had suffered severe injuries. A number of the animals are now undergoing care at veterinary clinics.

Activists noted that one dog was found in a “horrific condition.” The animal was said to have broken teeth and a deeply gashed leg from a particularly violent fight.

The suspects face charges including animal abuse violations and illegal gambling. Authorities have announced they are widening their probe to target the suspected organizers of the gambling operation.

At the scene, investigators also uncovered syringes and various illegal drugs that had been administered to the injured dogs.

Punishments are Too Lenient, Say Critics

Under South Korean law, the maximum sentence for injuring an animal for gambling purposes is two years imprisonment. Fines of up to 20 million won (under $14,000) can also be imposed by the courts.

Critics, however, argue that these penalties are excessively “lenient.”

Towards the end of last year, animal rights activists in the southern region of the country raised alarms that dogfighting rings were growing “rampant.”

These activists claim that efforts by courts and police to curb illegal dogfighting are “lax,” which has led to a “resurgence” of the activity and linked gambling in regions such as South Gyeongsang Province.