One of the critically injured dogs was transported to Spence and White Veterinary Hospital in Tyler for surgery on her snout, which was severely damaged from being used as a bait dog. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Smith County Animal Control has been housing 55 dogs and two cats rescued from an alleged dogfighting ring on Sept. 9. Recent evaluations have determined that 11 of these dogs are considered unsafe for adoption and will need to be euthanized, according to officials.

Last weekend, Animal Behavioral Specialist Morgan Rivera was flown in from Jacksonville, Florida, by the Humane Society of the U.S. to evaluate 38 game-bred pit bulls at the shelter. From Oct. 18-19, she conducted assessments of the dogs, with some being evaluated twice in different environments.

According to Amber Greene, supervisor of Smith County Animal Control, the dogs were taken to the shelter’s back fenced-in area where dogs were allowed to be introduced on leash and walk away from each other.

“During this time, Ms. Rivera stated what she was watching for was body language, the stiff or loose body, the tight lip, the licking of the lips, the stare and how fixated the dog was with the other dog, and if they were really fixated, how hard was it to distract them from the other dog,” Greene said.

Greene said two dogs bit staff members and have tried to go after other dogs.

An example of recommendation by Rivera included her noting a dog who was easy to leash and remove from the kennel; however, when the dog noticed the “helper dog,” it became fixated with a stiff and erect tail and tight skin. The dog — who had significant facial scarring — then attempted to grab the other dog through the bars of the kennel with vocalization and growling, Greene said.

The staff was able to pull the dog away but it remained fixated on the other dog, not able to disengage or shift focus. Rivera concluded this dog, and 10 others, wouldn’t be safe in a home environment.

Because they were trained to fight, they would not be safe around other dogs and people, Rivera said, adding that they have a mentality to fight.

“Ms. Rivera has a Masters in Animal Behavior and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed,” Greene said. “I (fully) trust her determinations and recommendations.”

Rivera found that 27 dogs were not aggressive but some will need more rehabilitation and care. According to the county, the two cats and 17 bully dogs have been picked up by rescues.

Greene has started researching out-of-state rescues who specialize in game-bred dogs and will start reaching out to them for assistance with either coming to get the remaining dogs or placing them with other rescues.

Because of the high-profile nature of the criminal case surrounding the seizure of these animals, the remaining dogs at the shelter will not be available for adoption or rescue locally, Greene said. They will also not be posted on the animal shelter’s website or social media.

“This is solely a rescue,” Greene said.

Based on enrichment suggestions provided by Rivera, Smith County Animal Shelter could use hard chew toys, such as Kong-type toes, as well as spray cheese and peanut butter and a busy box/tube.

“These are items that we did not budget for due to this being the first possible dogfighting ring that most of the staff here has actually encountered,” Greene said. “We train for this stuff but until you actually go through it, you then have a better understanding of what is exactly needed.”

Before leaving the shelter, Rivera shared information on facilitating play dates with different dogs and suggested enrichment activities the staff could implement until they can find a rescue able to take some of the dogs.

“Smith County greatly appreciates Ms. Rivera coming in to evaluate these dogs, and for the Humane Society of the U.S. for donating her time and services to us,” Greene said in a press release. “We learned a lot from her that we can use in future cases.”

Six of the more severe injuries from the seizure were taken to Spence and White Veterinary Hospital for immediate medical attention and are now in the care of Nicholas Pet Haven.