Dog Saved From Horrific Past Finds a Home—Her Reaction Says It All

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A pit bull named Banana is at the center of a viral TikTok video that has left animal lovers heartbroken and furious.
The footage, shared by dog rescuer @mjfambro, shows the injured dog called Banana being led into a shelter on a leash. She is covered in scratches and clearly shaken.
The June 2 video has racked up more than 485,000 views and nearly 60,000 likes, with the caption: "Here is your reminder to never give a dog away for free and do your best to vet people when rehoming, because Banana paid the price."
Newsweek reached out to @mjfambro for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
Viewers were quick to express their anger and sorrow in the comments. "May the people that did this get the karma they deserve," one wrote. "Breaks my heart knowing what she went through."
Another comment read: "People who just give away their pets without proper vetting should be held responsible for the crimes as well."
More videos posted by the rescuer show Banana recovering in care, with suggestions she may have been used as a bait dog—a term used for animals forced into dogfighting rings to train more-aggressive dogs.
Stock image: A person pets a sad pit bull.
Stock image: A person pets a sad pit bull.
Erik Gonzalez/iStock / Getty Images Plus
What Is a Bait Dog?
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that bait dogs are often used in illegal street dogfighting to provoke aggression in other canines. Despite being a felony in all 50 states, as well as in Washington D.C. and U.S. territories, dogfighting continues to operate in the shadows.
The practice has a long and brutal history in the U.S., dating back to the 18th century. While some are lured in by the money—raids have uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars, with single fights involving bets as high as $30,000—others are driven by ego or a desire to assert dominance, using dogs as a reflection of their own power. Tragically, those animals that lose often face severe abuse or death.
Federal law imposes even-harsher penalties. Under the Animal Welfare Act—bolstered by Congress in 2007 and again in 2014—it is a felony to engage in interstate dogfighting activities or to attend a fight, especially when a child under 16 is present. Violators can face up to three years in prison and fines of $250,000.
Despite whatever trauma Banana has endured, she hasn't lost faith in humanity.
In another clip, the dog can be seen standing on grass wearing a blue T-shirt to cover her infected shoulder.
The voice-over explains that Banana has so much to "unravel," but she is doing amazingly well, considering her circumstances.