Owners of alleged Ontario fighting dogs hatch plan to save animals from euthanasia

TORONTO — The owners of 21 alleged fighting dogs believe they have found a solution to save the animals from a potential death sentence.

Ken Marley represents three people accused of running an alleged dogfighting ring near Chatham, Ontario.

He says his clients have agreed in principle to transfer ownership of the dogs to a rescue organization north of Toronto.

READ MORE: 2 pit bulls euthanized by OSPCA after seizure from alleged dogfighting ring

Several other lawyers say they will attend court today in Chatham, Ontario, on behalf of animal rights and rescue groups.

They’re hoping to intervene in an application by the Ontario Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals to destroy 21 dogs it seized from an alleged dogfighting ring last October.

The court appearance is only scheduled to set a date to hear the society’s application, but the lawyers are hoping to use that opportunity to file motions to intervene.

READ MORE: Toronto’s pit bulls are almost gone. So why are there more dog bites than ever?

The OSPCA says 21 of the seized dogs are a menace to society and cannot be rehabilitated.

The society’s lawyer says it doesn’t matter who owns the dogs because the dogs are dangerous and there can never be a guarantee they wouldn’t attack children or other dogs.