The main supply of dogs used for "baiting" by the dog fighting network come from "free to good home" ads. Staffies are particularly targeted but other breeds, large and small, are also used. Several people, including myself, have tried repeatedly to post ads on relevant sites warning of the practice (some with horrific photos included), to warn people not to give away their dogs but always put a price on them. These ads were all deleted almost instantly.
Many companion dogs are stolen for the purpose of "baiting". There again, Staffies and Staffy crosses are an easy target, as they are people oriented so will easily follow anyone paying them attention. The breed also has a natural tendency to fight with other dogs...and the jaws to inflict maximum injuries. They'll put up enough of a fight to fulfill their purpose. The "best" of them may be trained for the fighting ring or be bred from.
Whenever a fighting ring is busted, the dogs involved have 0 chance of finding a home. They have been selectively bred and "trained" for the purpose. No amount of rehab can undo the resulting psychological damage.
Since Pitbulls were declared a dangerous breed here, these dogs are now mostly labelled as "American Staffies". Both breeds are related and often, the only way the public at large can differentiate them is by a DNA test. Pitbulls are also crossed with other "bull-breeds" to confuse the issue even further.
