Undercover Video Reveals Alleged Dog Abuse

The Los Angeles-based group Last Chance for Animals released an undercover videotape Tuesday. The group says it shows some of what it says goes on behind the scenes at Martin Creek Kennel in Sharp County, owned by C.C. Baird. The video shows kennel workers hitting and jerking dogs around, shooting and killing a cocker spaniel and tossing dead dogs onto a pile of rotting carcasses and trash. A Last Chance worker who infiltrated the operation shot the video during a five-month period. Last Chance claims Baird has a network of people who work for him -- called bunchers -- who steal pets and sell them to Baird. Chris DeRose, president of Last Chance for Animals, tells News 4 Arkansas, "About 2-million companion animals are stolen every year. Many of these animals are stolen by bunchers and sold to the class-b dealers." Baird is a class-b dog dealer, licensed by the USDA to sell animals to research companies. Last Chance says he`s the largest dealer in the United States. Federal authorities raided Baird`s operation two weeks ago and seized more than 100 dogs. The U.S. Attorney`s office has not filed charges against Baird, but an investigation continues. News 4 Arkansas called Baird. He refused to comment. Story filed by: Lyndall Stout