2 Missouri investigators to be honored by ASPCA

ST. LOUIS -- Two investigators with the Humane Society of Missouri are being recognized for their efforts that led to the largest dogfighting raid in U.S. history.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Monday it will honor Tim Rickey, director of the Missouri agency's animal cruelty task force, and Kyle Held, its animal cruelty investigator.

They're being honored with this year's ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award at a luncheon Thursday in New York City.

Hundreds of dogs were rescued and 26 people were arrested in the July 8 multistate crackdown.

Rickey and Held spent more than a year investigating alleged dogfighting rings, and tipped off state and federal authorities which collaborated in the raid and rescue.