Sunset finds a new home, inspires community to stop dog fighting

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- The dog that we’ve all come to know and love has a brand new home.

Sunset, the severely abused pit bull that was used as bait in a dog fighting ring, now has a loving home.

Cape Coral residents Anke and Ralph Sturm officially adopted Sunset Thursday.

“She is a miracle, she came a long way and she has been through a lot,” said Anke Sturm.

Her story has launched a new community organization called “Stop Illegal Dog Fighting SW Florida.” It’s made up of volunteers who want to make sure the people responsible for abusing dogs like Sunset are brought to justice.

“It’s a brutal crime against these animals, it just needs to stop,” said Gulf Coast Humane Society Executive Director Jennifer Galloway.

The group was formed after Sunset, who was horribly maimed and left for dead in Lehigh Acres in January, made headlines.

“It’s been amazing what Sunset has done in this community, she’s brought about so much awareness,” said Galloway.

The group’s first meeting focused on raising awareness about a GoFundMe account set up in Sunset’s honor. It’s already raised nearly $25,000. Anyone who calls Crime Stoppers with a tip that leads to an arrest will receive a $6,000 reward.

The group will be putting up billboards featuring Sunset around Southwest Florida, advertising the reward.

“They’ll be at one location for a period of time, then they’ll move so we can keep that message out there and make sure everyone’s aware of what’s going on,” said Galloway.

The humane society wants to make it clear, they and the volunteers do not want anyone actively going out and trying to find dog fighting rings.

If you have any information, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477). If you’d like to donate to the “Stop Illegal Dog Fighting” page, click here.