KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A pit bull rescued from a dog fight last year has been adopted and is on the road to recovery.

"We think he's about 2-and-a-half or 3 years old. We're not really sure," said Janelle Fanning, who adopted Triumph.

KMBC's Lara Moritz reported that before he was adopted, Triumph suffered abuse, neglect and near-death experiences.

"We don't necessarily see dogs that viciously attacked or in that poor of shape," said Amy Wicklander, of Missouri Pit Bull Rescue.

Wicklander said that dog fighting is an underground sport that happens in many neighborhoods without many people knowing about it.

"When dog fights are raided, guns, weapons and drugs are often times found. This is all being brought into people's neighborhoods and people's communities," Wicklander said.

Since Fanning adopted Triumph, his physical wounds have healed and he is getting loving attention.

"(He's) very skittish but very sweet. I mean, he just loves attention," Fanning said. "He's a perfect example. Look at what he's been through and look at his attitude and mentality."

Moritz reported that if you know of dog fighting taking place in a neighborhood, call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.

On The Internet:

Learn more about Missouri Pit Bull Rescue.

E-Mail: Contact Lara Moritz