Rescue Ink, a tough-as-nails group of working men, makes "visits'' to people suspected of abusing pets. "We get calls from concerned neighbors,'' said Robert Missari, a Brooklyn native, "and then we go out and knock on doors.''

Muscled and tattooed, these guys have a Don't-Mess-With-Me look. Some people assume they're a street gang. At the sight of them, young toughs have been known to scurry down the street. Although they look menacing, they will leave you alone -- unless you are harming an animal.

The group formed last year after a dog named Maximus was tied to a tree on Long Island and set on fire. "I wanted to scream in rage,'' said Missari, livid that anyone could inflict such pain on a living creature. He called some pals -- mechanics, trades workers, military veterans, including some trained in martial arts. "I said, 'Let's go find this guy.'''

Since then, Rescue Ink has helped liberate hundreds of dogs from abusive surroundings. The group has 11 members, mostly powerful men with big biceps, colorful names - "Big Ant'' and "Johnny O'' - and hearts that melt for pets in distress.

Awful conditions

In some cases, they find dogs left outside without shelter in icy conditions. They find animals who are being starved, tortured or caged in dark closets. Abuses are often tied to the practice of dog fighting involving pit bulls. These dogs, sometimes stolen, are used as bait in vicious street fights in which observers bet on the outcome.

"They're doing horrendous things to these dogs,'' said Missari, who often volunteers three or four nights a week for Rescue Ink.

The group cooperates with the police and animal control authorities. But unlike some other agencies, Rescue Ink finds foster and adoptive homes for the abused animals. When animal control removes a dog from a bad situation, the animal may have to be put down. For that reason, animal control workers often call Rescue Ink, which sends the animals to Save-A-Pet shelter in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island.

They don't mess around

Rescue Ink sometimes builds doghouses for people who cannot afford to buy them. The group has even paid to buy dogs to remove them from abusive situations. On its Web site, Rescue Ink features a group of grimacing, ornery-looking dudes with the message: "Caution -- Coming to an Abuser Near You.''

These guys don't physically whip up on abusers. But if people who mistreat animals worry that these tough guys might get a little physical -- so be it.

"We're not a gang, vigilantes or social organization,'' the Web site explains, "but we do have that certain 'in your face' style when it comes to abusers.''

In some cases, Rescue Ink has even worked to get emotional help for the abusers. Missari recounts a case in which Rescue Ink stood face-to-face with a mean-looking abuser who seemed ready for a confrontation. "Twenty minutes later, we're inside and he's crying about what he's done,'' he said.

Expanding the mission

Rescue Ink, which works mostly on Long Island, hopes to start chapters around the country. The non-profit group is trying to raise money to expand its mission. It operates with the donation of services from volunteers, including veterinarians.

For its caseload, the group relies on telephone tips. "The phones don't stop ringing,'' Missari said. "Animal lovers are relentless. They call, call, call -- until something is done.''

For that, plenty of abused animals are grateful, including Missari's own beloved Hale, a Lab mix who was being kept in a darkened closet and used as prey for dogs being trained to fight.

Some vets said the dog could not be saved. But Missari would not give up. After six months of therapy, Hale is doing better. "He's a great dog now,'' Missari said. But he still cannot be around other dogs -- a legacy of the psychological scars from being tortured.

Because of the sadistic treatment he received by the bad guys, Hale will probably always fear other dogs. There are plenty of bad guys out there harming dogs, but they had better beware. Missari and his pals at Rescue Ink are out looking for them.

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