DOG FIGHTING
It is important to address exactly what is dog fighting and its role in history since it is referenced frequently when discussing canine related issues. Daxton’s Friends for Canine Education & Awareness speaks openly and honestly about breeds that descend from fighting bloodlines and the potential dangers they pose to public safety. This dialogue should not be misconstrued as negative feelings towards any breed of dog. Dog fighting is extremely cruel and barbaric and is not supported or condoned. Daxton’s Friends understands that humans created these breeds for a horrific purpose and that these dogs are victims as well.
Click here to learn more about dogfighting
13 pitbulls seized in dog fighting raid by Moore County authorities
Published: Updated: EAGLE SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) — Authorities in Moore County seized 13 pitbulls during a search Wednesday as part of a federal 
investigation into dog fighting, according to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
The raid in the area of Eagles Spring was joint operation involving the sheriff’s office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General’s Office.
Other evidence was seized as well, the sheriff’s office said.
The dogs were turned over to the Humane Society of the United States.
The investigation is continuing.
13 pitbulls seized in dog fighting raid by Moore County authorities
Terrell Police make large PCP seizure and continue investigation of dog fighting
Posted: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 11:01 am | Updated: 11:12 am, Tue Mar 21, 2017. – The Terrell Tribune
Inside this refrigerator where the bottle of PCP was located, officers located numerous vials of medication typically used in the veterinarian field. Narcotics investigator spoke with a member of Dallas DA’s Office, specializing in investigating dog fights. He advised that several of the medications found are used to treat a dog that has been bitten by another dog. He found that there was (1) one brindle and three (3) black pit bull dogs chained up on the property. A request was made of animal control to come to the location to take the dogs for safe keeping, pending further investigation. Officers located a treadmill used for dogs, a stand used for strengthening a dogs jaws and a wooden shoot covered in what appeared to be blood. These and other indicators at the scene suggest the dogs are being trained for fighting. After seeing the scene photos, another expert also believed the dogs were involved in dog fighting. The dogs were taken to the Terrell Animal Shelter and additional charges are pending.
Read more: http://www.terrelltribune.com/community/article_b3a7c25a-0e4f-11e7-82fd-f7ce35257b1f.html
Men plead not guilty to dog fighting
Two men accused of unlawful animal fighting in Miller County have pleaded not guilty.
Christopher Tremayne Harper, 26, and Jaquavian Jaqwon Johnson entered not guilty pleas Tuesday during court proceedings before Circuit Judge Kirk Johnson. Both men are charged with unlawful animal fighting and Harper is charged with aggravated cruelty to a cat, dog or horse as well. The charges are punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and up to six years in prison.According to a probable cause affidavit, authorities received a report the afternoon of Jan. 13 of men fighting pit bull dogs on property near 11th Street in Texarkana, Ark. When officers arrived, they spoke to two men, later identified as Harper and Johnson, who were in possession of a red and brindle pit bull with ears, “cut back almost to his head.” According to animal rights sources, cutting a dog’s ears back is done to prevent other dogs from latching on to them during a fight.
The dog’s owner, who allegedly gave a false name but was later identified as Harper, claimed he bought the dog with cut ears and promised to take the ailing animal to a veterinarian. The men denied they had been fighting dogs. Later the same day, authorities received another report of dog fighting in the same area. Officers made contact a second time with Jaquavian Johnson and noted that his white pit bull had puncture wounds and other injuries consistent with dog fighting.
Harper allegedly did not seek treatment for his dog’s cut ears. Both men were arrested in early February and the dogs were taken in by animal services, are being treated for their injuries and held as evidence in the case.
Both men are scheduled to return to court for pretrial hearings May 9.
Toledo man arrested for multiple dogfighting offenses
Pitbull found in basement with scars consistent with dogfighting
A North Toledo man appeared in Toledo Municipal Court this morning on dogfighting and other charges.
Jerry Buchanan, 47, was arrested Saturday by Toledo police executing a search warrant for drug-related activity at his 832 Clay Ave. residence, according to complaints filed with the court. Having posted 10 percent of his $25,000 bond Sunday, Buchanan remains free after the cash bond and supervised recognizance bonds were continued.
An attorney listed for Buchanan was unavailable to comment this morning.
Court records show officers previously found three small black and white “pit bulls,” one female and two males, with scars consistent with dogfighting in the basement of the Clay Avenue home. Canine medication, books about dogfighting, penicillin, dog treadmills, dog food, and dog weights were also located.
Buchanan is also charged with trafficking in drugs and drug abuse, both first-degree felonies, and a third-degree felony of having weapons while under disability under indictment. All six charges stem from March 2, according to court records.
Officers reported finding cocaine, more than $3,000 in cash, scales, baggies, and a rifle. Records note a previous conviction barred Buchanan from possessing a firearm.
The three dogs found at his residence are being cared for at the Lucas County Canine Care & Control while the case continues.
Buchanan was previously indicted on a dogfighting charge in 2004, in addition to charges of possession of and trafficking in cocaine. He pleaded guilty to attempt to commit possession of cocaine, and the trafficking and dogfighting charges were dismissed as part of a negotiated deal.
Last week, the Toledo Area Humane Society offered a reward for information about a dog now called Otis, who bears serious injuries believed to be from dogfighting. On Feb. 28, a resident witnessed Otis being thrown from a dark-colored pickup truck in an alley off Ottawa Drive.
It is unknown as of yet whether Otis’ case could be related in any way to Buchanan.
Father, son charged with conducting cockfighting, dog fighting in Montgomery County
BY KEVIN LEWIS/ABC7 TUESDAY, AUGUST 9TH 2016ROCKVILLE, Md. (ABC7) — A father and son in Montgomery County have been arrested and charged with organizing and conducting dog fighting and cockfighting, according to court documents.
Sergio Santiago Sr., 70, and Sergio Santiago Jr., 41, are accused of owning at least 61 birds and eight dogs and using their homes in Gaithersburg and Clarksburg for breeding and training dogs and birds, as well as conducting dog fights and cockfighting, police say.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS and CHARGING DOCUMENTS
When Montgomery County Police served warrants, officers found videos of the men training, observing, and encouraging birds and dogs to fight. They were in possession of various types of equipment used in training and conducting the fights between animals.
Police recovered an iPad, external computer hard drives, veterinarian medications, a treadmill for dogs, sparring muffs, incubators with eggs, and printed instructions on training and preparing animals for blood sports.
Emails and texts were recovered from computers detailing a history of dogs being bred, sold, and trained to fight, including evidence of coded language used by suspects engaged in dogfighting, police say.
An animal cruelty investigator assisted officers in the investigation and identification of equipment and other evidence of the dog fighting and cockfighting.
The two homes where police say the Santiagos lived and conducted their animal fights are listed as 202 Rabbit Rd. in Gaitherburg and 22615 North Frederick Rd. in Clarksburg.
Arrest made in dog fighting investigation
By RYAN EMERSON | [email protected] – Published 08/03 2016 12:57AM – Updated 08/03 2016 05:20PM
An Erie man is facing charges, following an alleged dog fighting bust.
Danny Swift, 41, was arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of animal fighting, as well as cruelty to animals and possession of animal fighting paraphernalia.
Erie police discovered the dogs after they were called to 1047 W. 28th Stl. shortly after 8 p.m. Monday to investigate a report of animal cruelty.
At least eight injured dogs were seized. Four three-week old puppies were taken to the A.N.N.A. Shelter, along with two injured adult females, who remain on vet watch.
According to the Erie County Prison, Swift has been released on $25,000 bond.
http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/arrest-made-in-dog-fighting-case
WOMAN INDICTED ON DOG FIGHTING, ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES
JOHNSTON COUNTY (WTVD) — A Johnston County woman has been arrested on dog fighting and animal cruelty charges.According to court documents, the incidents happened more than a year ago in January 2015. However, 21-year-old Kareleikeya Ankeria Leach of Smithfield was formally indicted on the charges this month.
The court documents revealed that four dogs were seized from Leach’s home. One was euthanized on Jan. 21, 2015 and the second on Jan. 28, 2015 due to the severity of their injuries.
One of the animals – a gray male pit bull – had untreated bite wounds to the face and a badly swollen head. The other – a black and white female pit bull – had a broken leg, bite wounds to the face and a badly swollen head.
The two other neglected dogs – a white and black pit bull with an open wound to the neck and another white and black pit bull with an injured leg – survived and were later placed with animal rescue groups.
Smithfield police said all four of the animals lacked food and water.
Leach was also charged with felony dog fighting. Smithfield police evidence found in 2015 indicated dog fighting had taken place at her home.
According to a True Bill of Indictment, Leach instigated, promoted, conducted and allowed property under her control to be used “for exhibition featuring the fighting of a dog with another animal.”
With information from Mickey Lamm/WTSB Radio
http://abc11.com/news/woman-indicted-on-dog-fighting-animal-cruelty-charges-/1399921/
Evidence of dog fighting ring discovered in Meriwether Co.
MANCHESTER, Ga. — Authorities say evidence of a dog fighting ring was discovered in Manchester, Ga.
According to the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, authorities executing a search warrant on Chew Road on June 16 made the discovery.
Authorities found marijuana, a firearm and ammunition along with six canines said to be in poor living condition and poor health.
The dogs had wounds and scars consistent with dog fighting, according to sheriff’s officials.
Evidence of a dog fighting pit was also found on land across the street from the home.
Authorities arrested 24-year-old Tavoris Reshawn Reeves on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and cruelty to animals. His bond was said at $9,000, but he as found to have a probation violation charged with no bond.
Crystal Jean Waller, 32, was also arrested on charges of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and cruelty to animals. Her bond was set at $4,000.
Both are being held at Meriwether County Jail.
The Meriwether County Animal Control Department took possession of the six dogs.
http://www.11alive.com/news/local/alleged-dog-fighting-ring-busted-in-meriwether-county/251422567
Official: York man charged with dog fighting after 13 pit bulls seized
YORK
A York man was jailed on multiple charges after deputies discovered 13 pit bulls at his home that were believed to be involved with dog fighting, according to the York County Sheriff’s Office.
Frankie Lee Starnes Jr., 34, of Prairie Hill Road, was charged with eight counts each of ill treatment of animals, restraint law violation, county animal shelter violation and rabies violation, and seven counts of dog fighting, said sheriff’s spokesman Trent Faris. Starnes was arrested Tuesday afternoon and placed in the York County Detention Center.
Deputies and K-9 units were searching for a burglary suspect on an unrelated call on June 6 when they discovered 13 pit bulls “suspected to have been a part of dog fighting,” Faris said. The dogs were found at a home in the 500 block of Prairie Hill Road in York, which was determined to be Starnes’ home.
Eleven of the pit bulls were on chains tied to the ground by car axles, Faris said. Eight of the dogs had severe scars and open wounds.
York County Animal Control was called to investigate, and a veterinary examination of the dogs revealed their injuries were consistent with dog fighting, Faris said. Starnes agreed to surrender the dogs to Animal Control. Their conditions were not available late Tuesday.
Albuquerque man part of interstate dog-fighting ring, DOJ says
J.R. Oppenheim and Danielle Todesco
Updated: 06/01/2016 10:45 PM
Created: 06/01/2016 1:12 PM
An Albuquerque man is among nine people charged in a four-state dog-fighting ring, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
Nine people were arrested in all, including 62-year-old Robert Arellano of Albuquerque. Six suspect are from New Jersey, where the alleged ring was located, while the other two are from Indiana and Illinois.
According to a criminal complaint, Arellano is accused of delivered the dogs to be used in fighting matches “for the purposes of sport, wagering and entertainment,” violating federal law.
If convicted, the suspects could face five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count.
“Dog fighting is truly an organized criminal activity, as well as a deplorable trade in the suffering of animals,” Assistant Attorney General Cruden said in a statement. “This case marks the beginning of a coordinated effort at the Department of Justice to meet organized dog fighting head-on with a strategic, aggressive federal response.”
In a sting called “Operation Grand Champion,” federal agents uncovered evidence of dogfighting on the defendants’ property in New Jersey, including scarred dogs, dogs in crates and dog-fighting paraphernalia, the DOJ states.
Undercover agents also found those accused of discussing dog fights and exchanged information about the dogs’ bloodlines, training methods, fighting techniques and the market for buying and selling dogs, the DOJ states.
The dog-fighting ring reportedly operated from October 2015 to the present, according to the DOJ.
The department says 66 dogs were rescued.
“There is no place in New Jersey – or anywhere else, for that matter – for a vicious blood sport like dog fighting,” U.S. Attorney Fishman in the statement. “Not only is it unspeakably cruel to the animals that are raised to participate in dog fighting, but animals trained in this way can be extremely dangerous to the public.”
KOB looked into Arellano’s background. He was cited in 2009 for unlawfully chaining 14 dogs, but the case was dismissed in a criminal trial.
Arellano’s home in the North Valley looks like a fortress. It’s hard to see past the trees and fences, but one can see some metal fencing. However, no dogs were heard barking.
Ellen Schmidt, with Animal Humane New Mexico, said it’s not surprising that Albuquerque is reportedly tied to a large-scale dogfighting ring. But she said that’s what they’re constantly trying to stop.
“There’s a lot of money in it and the people who are involved are deeply involved in it. It happens where we don’t see it. It’s underground. There’s high risk, high reward in this crime,” Schmidt said. “Ultimately, can we stop it? Who knows? But it’s worth a try.”
Fort Wayne man among 9 arrested for dog-fighting network spanning 4 states
WASHINGTON – A Fort Wayne man is among nine people charged in four states for their alleged roles in a dog-fighting network spanning from New Mexico to New Jersey. More than 60 dogs were rescued in the investigation.
The federal Animal Welfare Act makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to fight dogs or to possess, train, sell, buy, deliver, receive or transport dogs intended for use in dog fighting.
The following people are facing charges in connection with the network:
- Anthony “Monte” Gaines, 35, of Vineland, New Jersey (already in state custody on unrelated charges)
- Justin Love, 36, of Westville, New Jersey
- Lydell Harris, 30, of Vineland
- Mario Atkinson, 40, of Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Frank Nichols, 39, of Millville, New Jersey
- Tiffany Burt, 34, of Vineland
- Dajwan Ware, 43, of Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Pedro Cuellar, 46, of Willow Springs, Illinois
- Robert Arellano, 62, of Albuquerque, New Mexico
The charges include alleged criminal acts related to transporting, delivering, buying, selling, receiving and possessing pit bull-type dogs for dog fighting and conspiring to commit these acts in New Jersey and in other states.
From October 2015 through the present, the suspects are accused of setting up matches for the dogs to maul and attack each other and fight – often until one or both dogs die. They also allegedly discussed dog-fighting bloodlines, training methods, fighting techniques and the market for buying and selling dogs.
Federal agents found evidence on some of the suspects’ properties. This included scarred dogs and dogs stacked in crates, dog fighting paraphernalia such as dog treadmills, “flirt” poles used to build jaw strength and increase aggression and animal pelts.
Medical items were also found, which may have been used instead of seeking veterinary attention.
“Dog fighting is truly an organized criminal activity, as well as a deplorable trade in the suffering of animals,” said New Jersey Assistant Attorney General John Cruden. “This case marks the beginning of a coordinated effort at the Department of Justice to meet organized dog fighting head-on with a strategic, aggressive federal response.”
The Humane Society of the Unites States is assisting with the care of the dogs seized by federal law enforcement.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count of animal fighting charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Jail for former Palmdale school official in dogfighting case
POSTED:
PALMDALE, Calif. (AP) — Prosecutors say a former assistant superintendent with the Palmdale Unified School District has been sentenced to nine months in jail on a felony dogfighting charge.
Pauline Ruth Winbush pleaded no contest last month to a single count of possession with intent for dogfighting and animal neglect.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Friday that Winbush, 53, and her 52-year-old boyfriend, Kevin Williams, must also complete 24 animal cruelty classes and pay restitution.
Williams, who pleaded no contest to the same charge, was sentenced Thursday to a year in jail.
Both are barred from owning or living with animals for 10 years.
Animal control officers who searched the couple’s home in 2014 said they found dogs in crates filled with feces and urine.
Nineteen dogs had to be euthanized.
Five indicted on charges related to alleged Beaumont dog fighting ring
Posted: May 12, 2016 10:35 AM CDT – Updated: May 12, 2016 11:29 AM CDT – By Scott Eslinger
BEAUMONT –
Five Beaumont men have been indicted on charges related to an alleged Beaumont dog fighting ring.
Dantavian Jamal Collier, 22, Robert Ray Hale, 37, Billy Ray Leblanc, Jr., 26, Kirby Ray Richard, 25, and Kyle Reginald White, 31, all of Beaumont, were each indicted on Thursday of a charge of Engaging in Organized Crime.
All five have been arrested and are each free on a $15,000 bond
A sixth man, Abdual Bluitt, 38, who is also a suspect in the alleged dog fighting ring, was arrested in DeRidder, LA, on possession of marijuana and schedule two drug charges. He is currently in the Beauregard Parish jail and his bond on the two charges is set at $110,000.
Deputies stumbled upon a large dog fight at 8010 Rogers Ave in Beaumont in March 2016 after answering a call about a loose horse.
Several dogs, a fighting pit and training equipment were found and seized from the residence.
The Sheriff’s office asks that anyone with information on the four men being sought call Crime Stoppers at 833-TIPS.
Suspect back in jail for 2012 dog fighting case
Thursday, May 12, 2016 9:02 pm – The Daily Tribune
Suspect rearrested for dog fighting
Corey Dewayne Wilbert was booked back into the Titus County Jail in connection with a felony dog-fighting case which he was initially arrested for Aug. 21, 2012.
Chief Deputy John Livingston said TCSO received information from a complainant that dog fights were taking place on McLean Street in Talco.
During the ensuing investigation, Wilbert and a juvenile were identified.
Wilbert was arrested and the case is still pending.
Wilbert had been out on a $5,000 bond for three years before it was forfeited
in April 2015. Bond was increased to $10,000.
Wilbert is also being held on two charges for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury that occurred in Camp County as well as failure to appear on a criminal mischief charge in Camp County.
Suspect indicted in dogfighting, animal cruelty case
By Patti Dozier, [email protected] – May 12, 2016
THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The suspect in a 2015 case involving alleged dogfighting and animal cruelty has been indicted on a number of charges.
Following up on a complaint in early September, Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society animal control officers uncovered what appeared to be a dog-fighting operation on Stevens Street.
Animal control officers, responding to a report about animals at the location, found what appeared to be dog-fighting equipment and paraphernalia.
In addition to dogs and a cat, animal control and police officers found a treadmill and swim tank used in training fighting dogs at the 512 N. Stevens residence, home of Benji Jerome Branham. Branham was indicted on five counts of dogfighting, five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and for counts of cruelty to animals.
“When walking toward the rear of the house, they saw a white adult cat in a very small cage with no food, water or shelter,” Maj. Eric Hampton, Thomasville Police Department (TPD) public information officer, said in September.
Also found were several hypodermic syringes, sprays and other over-the-counter medical supplies used to treat dogs’ wounds, Hampton explained.
“They saw a freshly dug hole three feet deep suspected to be a future grave for an animal,” Hampton said last year.
The dogs and cat were transported to the Humane Society animal shelter.
“The dogs appeared aggressive,” Hampton explained.
Branham, 33, who gave his address as the North Stevens crime scene, arrived while police and animal control officers were at the scene and was taken into custody.
TPD Criminal Investigations Division officers executed a search warrant at the house, which Hampton said has no power and appears to be vacant. He said the suspect’s deceased father previously lived at the house.
A .22-caliber Benjamin Varmint rifle was found leaning against the house.
Branham was released from the Thomas County Jail in September on a $10,600 bond.
The dogs and cat confiscated at the suspect’s residence in September were taken to the Humane Society animal shelter.
“We’ve held them all this time, because they are evidence,” Ed Williams, animal shelter executive director, said Thursday.
When the case has been disposed of, it will be determined which dogs are adoptable. The cat also will be considered for adoption.
Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.
Staten Island men arrested for training pit bull for dog fighting
BY THOMAS TRACY – NEW YORK DAILY NEWS – Sunday, May 15, 2016, 12:24 AM
Cops from the NYPD’s animal cruelty investigation squad arrested two Staten Island men for training a pit bull for dog fighting, officials said Saturday.
Sefu Luthman, 23, and Scott Pearlmutter, 25, were hit with animal cruelty charges on Friday.
They were accused of training Luthman’s dog — aptly named Savage — “to fight for amusement and for personal gain,” according to a police report.
Savage was taken from Luthman’s home on Stanley Ave. in New Brighton about 6 a.m. Friday and placed in an Animal Care Center facility, officials said.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/s-men-trained-pit-bull-dogfighting-article-1.2637321
Memphian convicted of distributing cocaine, partaking in dog fighting
Updated:
A Memphis man has been convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to distribute large amounts of cocaine and launder large sums of drug proceeds, according to Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to authorities, between March 2014 and May 2015, Daniel Scott Sr., aka “Old School,” conspired with several others to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and conspired to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars obtained from trafficking cocaine.
During this time, authorities said, Scott, who previously pleaded guilty to partaking in dog fighting, and others conspired to develop multiple properties to serve as the area for American Pit Bull Terriers dog fighting gambling shows.
Scott faces a minimum of 10 years behind bars and a fine of up to $10 million for some of the charges and for the money laundering charge, faces up to 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000. For the dog fighting conspiracy charge, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Two arrested during dog fighting bust indicted on drug charges
Tara Becker [email protected] – Apr 27, 2016
Two Rock Island men arrested during a federal seizure of 64 pit bulls in connection with an alleged dog fighting ring in the Quad-Cities have been indicted on drug charges in Rock Island County Circuit Court.
The grand jury on Monday returned a two-count indictment against Ryan M. Hickman, 41, for possession with intent to deliver less than a gram of cocaine and possession of less than a gram of hydrocodone, both Class 1 felonies punishable by four to 30 years in prison.
Willie E. Jackson, 34, was indicted on possession of between 30 and 500 grams of cannabis, a Class 4 felony punishable by one to 10 years in prison.
Hickman remained in the Rock Island County Jail Wednesday on a $75,000 bond. Jackson was released from the jail on April 20 after posting 10 percent of a $10,000 bond.
Both will be back in court May 3.
The two men, nor anyone else, has been charged with any dog-fighting related offenses in local or federal court as of Wednesday.
Hickman and Jackson were arrested April 14 during a search of of 12 homes — 11 in Rock Island and one in Davenport — as part of an investigation that began a year ago through information developed by the Rock Island Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Quad-Cities Federal Gang Task Force. Investigators with the help of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed 44 adult pit bulls and 20 puppies from the homes.
The dogs will remain in the custody of the ASPCA until further order of the court.
Although no criminal charges have been filed, Hickman, Jackson and 15 others were named as participants in an illegal dog fighting ring in a 15-page civil forfeiture complaint filed April 15 in U.S. District Court, Rock Island.
Prosecutors wrote in the forfeiture complaint that the dogs are subject to seizure and forfeiture under federal law because they were used as “gambling devices” and were involved in a violation of the Animal Welfare Act, which regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport and by dealers.
Confidential sources and cooperating witnesses provided information to law enforcement that several individuals in the area have been involved or participated in an illegal dog-fighting operation, including gambling on dog fights, in Illinois, Iowa, Alabama and Mississippi, according to the forfeiture complaint. They also have purchased and transported dogs from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Mississippi.
Some of the confidential sources and cooperating witnesses also told law enforcement that they were present and participated in the illegal dog-fighting activities. They had dog-fighting videos and photographs that corroborated their stories and revealed that the named individuals and others were present and engaged in the illegal dog-fighting operation, according to the forfeiture complaint.
According to the forfeiture complaint, investigators on April 14 seized seven dogs and nine puppies from Hickman’s home at 514 14th Ave., Rock Island, and two dogs from Jackson’s home at 1514 9th St., Rock Island.
The other people named in the forfeiture complaint are: Quentin Clemons, Algerron Goldsmith Sr., Simmeon Hall, Marcus Holmes, Sherrick Houston, Jaquan Jones, Stantrel Knight, Denzell Lee, Andre Lidell, Timon Mayfield, Demarlo McCoy, Terril McDuffy, Derrick Nephew, Torrie Roberts and Darrick Rodgers.
Pit bulls seized, Wendell man charged with dog fighting
WRAL.com – Posted April 27, 2016
WENDELL, N.C. — A Wendell man was charged Wednesday with more than two dozen felony crimes related to dog fighting.
James Edward Harris, 48, of 4 Olde Tavern Drive, is charged with 14 counts of dog fighting and 14 counts of cruelty to animals.
Wendell police and Wake County Animal Control officers searched Harris’ home Tuesday after receiving reports of an unusual odor at the home.
“We heard a lot of barking, sometimes late at night, and there was a smell. There was a bad smell,” neighbor Roger Brantley said.
During their search, officers found pit bulls both inside and outside the home.
Fourteen pit bulls were seized, and Wendell police said numerous items associated with dog fighting were found in the home.
“From what I hear they were dog fighting, so that was kind of a concern,” Brantley said. “And the condition of the dogs when they were brining them outside was terrible.”
The pit bulls were taken to the Wake County Animal Shelter. The prosecutor told the judge that at least two of the dogs had fresh wounds consistent with other signs of dog fighting.
Harris was also charged with one count driving with a revoked license. He was being held in Wake County jail under a $1M secured bond.
Read more at http://www.wral.com/pit-bulls-seized-wendell-man-charged-with-dog-fighting/15667194/#eubIespElTYJxlIg.99
Total of 612 charges against four CK residents
Daily News Staff – Thursday, May 5, 2016 3:44:49 EDT PM
Four Chatham-Kent people charged with operating an alleged dog-fighting ring near Merlin will have a pretrial on July 5.
Husband and wife, John and Kim Robert, the couple’s son John Jr. and Michel Gagnon, all of Morris Line at the time of their arrest, are facing a total of 612 charges.
The offences include animal abuse, drug possession and firearms charges.
None of the accused was in court Thursday when the matter was scheduled for pretrial.
The defendants were arrested in October 2015 after Chatham-Kent police and Ontario SPCA launched a joint investigation.
Of the 31 pitbull-type dogs seized from the scene on Oct. 9, three have been euthanized for health reasons and the Ontario SPCA is seeking a court order to destroy 21 more dogs.
A publication ban was ordered on Crown evidence presented during the defendants’ bail hearings.
All were released on bail with certain conditions.
The application to humanely euthanize 21 of the dogs has been separated from the criminal code proceedings.
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/2016/05/05/total-of-612-charges-against-four-ck-residents
Horrific dog fighting preparation centre shut down
Matt Ford – May 5, 2016
AN alleged perpetrator of animal abuse from Jaca in Huesca Province, Aragon, has been detained by the Guardia Civil after being accused of training dogs for organised fights.
Police decided to take action following complaints from neighbours that dogs living on the man’s property would disappear for a few hours or days before returning in a sorry physical state.
Agents were able to collect evidence and even film some of the illicit blood sports taking place, and later used the footage to identify certain dogs and their owners.
A 32-year-old man was arrested and 16 dogs, all displaying signs of having been involved in fights, were transported to kennels owned by the provincial council.
Hilltop homes raided in dogfighting investigation
The dogs were brought out one by one, cradled in the arms of humane agents and coaxed on leashes to a waiting truck.
Twenty of them came from a single Hilltop house, where investigators found some dogs inside and others tied up out back.
Part of what authorities said was a dogfighting operation that had been under investigation for more than a year, the 20 dogs taken from the home on Clarendon Avenue seemed anything but aggressive. They appeared to be in decent health. They whimpered and yelped but did not snarl or bare their teeth. One rested its chin on an agent’s shoulder. Another licked an agent’s neck.
By the time the raids at five houses were over on Tuesday, police said that 11 people had been taken into custody and a total of 45 dogs removed from the homes. It’s unclear in what condition the other dogs were found.
Besides Clarendon Avenue, they were taken from Hilltop houses on South Hague, South Wayne and Sullivant avenues, as well as Breezedale Place on the Far East Side. A television station reported that three children also were turned over to Children Services from the Breezedale house.
Officers and agents with the Capital Area Humane Society also said that drugs and guns were seized from the homes. The agencies were assisted in the searches by Franklin County deputies, FBI agents and investigators from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Sgt. Rich Weiner, a Police Division spokesman, said the investigation began with the Humane Society looking into one suspect and 15 dogs. As the case grew, the agency asked for Columbus police to join the probe, Humane Society Executive Director Rachel Finney said.
“The size and scope of this case is beyond what we can handle on our own,” she said.
Weiner said the seized dogs would be housed at an undisclosed location other than the Humane Society to protect them and the investigation. They will be cared for as the case proceeds, although it was not clear on Tuesday what their ultimate fate might be.
Police also seized evidence that included chains, treadmills and other equipment to exercise dogs.
Neighbors said that although they knew many dogs lived at the home on Clarendon, they never suspected links to dogfighting.
Read more: http://www.dailynewsx.com/news/hilltop-homes-raided-in-dogfighting-investigation-79002.html
Five charged after raid on dogfighting ring
By
Five men have been charged with felony dogfighting offenses following an investigation that culminated on Tuesday with the seizure of 45 dogs from homes across Columbus.
Four of the men were arrested at addresses on the Hilltop and Far East Side during the morning raids that capped a 15-month investigation by the Capital Area Humane Society and Columbus police. The fifth suspect is being sought on a warrant.
“This the biggest dogfighting investigation we’ve handled,” Rachel Finney, executive director of the Humane Society, said Wednesday.
Charged so far in the case are four men from the Hilltop: Henry Hill Jr., 20, and Anthony McGuffie, 22, both of Clarendon Avenue; Charles Granberry, 40, of South Hague Avenue; and Randall Frye, 57, of South Wayne Avenue, as well as Dwayne Robinson Jr., 32, of Breezedale Place on the Far East Side.
An earlier report that children had been taken from the Breezedale Place home and turned over to Children Service was incorrect, the agency said.
All but Granberry appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court Wednesday morning, where Judge Cindi Morehart set their bail at $40,000 each. Robinson and Hill posted bond and were released. McGuffie and Frye remained in the Downtown jail.
Granberry was still being sought Wednesday night.
Finney said all 45 dogs seized Tuesday are still alive. The conditions of the dogs ran the gamut from good to poor. Finney said they were in “clean, comfortable environments.” Authorities, however, won’t release where they’re being kept.
“We are going to individually assess every single dog,” she said. “All of their needs are being met.”
Finney said the Humane Society contacted police and the national ASPCA when the case grew more complex. The ASPCA sent investigators from New York and elsewhere to assist.
“Just given the number of properties, the number of dogs, we needed additional resources,” Finney said. “It took seven veterinarians just for this case. We needed to make sure we had the probable cause and also the support to get those dogs out.”
Brutal dog fighting ring exposed
The Sunday Mail (Qld)
A VILE dog fighting ring in which pitbulls either kill or are killed is operating on the east coast and is under surveillance by the RSPCA and police.
Major players in the ring travelled from NSW and Victoria to Queensland last week to take part in a fight at a secret location.
A special investigation by The Sunday Mail over recent months has uncovered dark details of the underground world in which dog fighting thrives, where thousands of dollars at a time are bet on the deadly outcome of the vile fights linked to outlaw bikie gangs.
One undercover investigator, who asked not to be named to protect himself from potentially violent retribution and allow him to continue his work, described the rings as attracting “the lowest of low” who were translating misery for animals into dirty profits.
The Sunday Mail understands a number of Queensland properties under surveillance last week may have been decoys used to hide the actual fight site.
Despite being under surveillance, the main players and fight attendees evaded the authorities.
The horrifying details of the ring’s activities include “game” pitbulls — those that show the most aggression and killer instinct — being set on live dogs to develop their taste for blood.
The “bait” animals are tied up, unable to escape and savaged until they die.
Some of the underworld fighters bankroll their operations with seemingly legitimate fronts, breeding other popular types of dogs and selling them to the public.
Alleged dogfighting arena busted in Jefferson County
Officials in Jefferson County officials have uncovered an alleged large dogfighting operation east of Houston, according to a news release.
Just after 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about horses loose near Smokey Lane. The deputies knew from a previous call that the horses were owned by a person who lived at a residence in the 8000 block of Rogers Avenue, a block away.
When deputies arrived at that residence they noticed several parked cars and a large group of people outside, as well as a strong smell of burning marijuana.
A male at the residence saw the deputies approaching and made a run for it, with at least 40 to 50 others fleeing behind him.
Deputies discovered a square wooden pit in the backyard, along with two severely injured pit bull dogs. One of the dogs was reported to be bleeding profusely.
Beaumont Animal Control, the Beaumont Police Department investigative division and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office livestock deputy were soon called to assist.
Investigators deduced that the pit was allegedly built for dogfighting. Several dogs found at the scene with various injuries were handed over to the Beaumont Animal Shelter for treatment.
Officials Break Up Dog Fighting Ring in Linda Vista
Nine dogs — one of which was pregnant — have been rescued following in lengthy investigation into a San Diego dog fighting ring.
San Diego Police (SDPD) and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) officials said months of investigation and several search warrants lead them from Los Angeles County to San Diego County, said LASD Sgt. Robert Hill.
Authorities served a search warrant at a home on Westinghouse Drive in San Diego’s Linda Vista neighborhood, where they found four people inside the home, Hill said. One was arrested on unrelated drug charges, and authorities expect more arrests going forward.
Inside, officials found nine dogs, some of which had scars from a history of fights. Down the stairs and through a brick opening, authorities also uncovered a type of dungeon where the dogs would be trained. In the room, a treadmill, chains, tropheys, weights and belts, items consistent with dog training.
“These dogs are very valuable to the people that own them,” Hill said. “They sell them for several thousand dollars.”
One of the dogs was pregnant, officials said, and some may have to be put down if they are extremely aggressive. The dogs will be taken to a vet in the Los Angeles area for rehabilitation.
The dogs were kept in the United States, but were brought to Mexico to fight in several different cities where they could win up to $80,000 in prize money, Hill said. Successful dogs like these could be sold from anywhere between $1,000 to $10,000, depending on their histories. At least one of the dogs was bread, likely because the dog showed consistent behavior for a fight dog, Hill said.
Hill said the larger dog fighting ring likely had more than 1,000 members.
Fifth person charged related to alleged dog fighting ring
CTV Windsor – Published Wednesday, March 2, 2016 2:16 PM EST
Chatham-Kent police say a fifth person has been charged related to an alleged dog fighting ring in Tilbury.
In October of 2015, a joint investigation between the Chatham-Kent police and the Ontario SPCA resulted in the execution of multiple search warrants at an address on Morris Line.
The investigation resulted in four people being arrested and over 300 charges laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Dog Owner’s Liability Act.
On Wednesday, as a result of the ongoing investigation, police arrested Robert Tomlin, 32, of Kent Bridge.
He’s charged with cruelty to animals – causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal and;
cruelty to animals – encourages, aids or assists in the fighting or baiting of animals.
As a result of the circumstances surrounding the arrest, two search warrants were authorized under the Dog Owner’s Liability Act for two properties in the Kent Bridge area which led to the seizure of seven Pitbull type dogs, which are prohibited in Ontario.
Read more: http://windsor.ctvnews.ca/fifth-person-charged-related-to-alleged-dog-fighting-ring-1.2801008
Dog fighting house busted, two arrested
Andrew J. Yawn, Montgomery Advertiser
Siblings Bobby Terrell Fuller and LaTonya Michelle Jones were arrested earlier this week for alleged involvement in a dog-fighting operation.
Authorities found the dog-fighting pit and 10 pit bull terriers behind a home in the 100 block of Cobb Lane after receiving a tip on Jan. 9.
Montgomery Humane Society Animal Cruelty Investigator Denton Hawk arrived on the scene and found fresh blood on the walls of the fighting pit and 10 scarred, wounded, “very thin” dogs.
“They were very thin and had scarring from apparently dog fighting,” Hawk said. “Some had open oozing wounds and scars and bite marks on face, legs, feet and neck.”
A trail of wooden pallets led through the woods behind the house to the fighting pit. The pit was carpeted for traction and had apparently been used recently, Hawk said.
“There was fresh blood on all sides, bright red blood,” Hawk said.
Hawk also saw a canvas strap tied to a tree. He believed it to be a way to weigh dogs prior to fights, something indicative of a highly organized operation.
Fuller and Smith were at the house when authorities arrived, but four or five other cars were left abandoned by other suspects.
Prior to arresting Fuller and Jones, Hawk said the goal was to apprehend as many suspects as possible.
“We were trying to cast as large a net as possible,” Hawk said. “Dog fighting is never one or two people.”
He described dog-fighting in the area as a highly organized crime done for sport and money.
“It always goes on,” Hawk said. “We know we have people fighting in organized fashion. We have repeat offenders who don’t seem to learn the first time. they get into the sport of it, the bragging rights of having the top dog. We know it goes on.”
Fuller is being held on a $5,000 bond. Jones made bond the same day she was arrested.
The Humane Society of the United States also offers a $5,000 reward for any tipsthat lead to the arrest or conviction of anybody involved with dog fighting or puppy mills.
Okolona trio charged in dog fighting case
Posted on by in Crime & Law Enforcement, News –
By Ray Van Dusen
Monroe Journal
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested three Okolona men on Monday in a case that involved the seizure of moonshine, drugs, stolen firearms and several dogs.
Russell Jones, 67, was charged with accessory to dog fighting and possession of two stolen guns. He will be charged by the Alcohol Beverage Control for additional charges of moonshining, possession of marijuana and controlled substances with intent.
Jeremy Jones, 26, was charged with accessory to dog fighting. He will also be charged by the ABC for additional charges of moonshining, possession of marijuana and controlled substances with intent.
Patrick Jones, 22, was charged with dog fighting.
According to Sheriff Cecil Cantrell, 15 pit bulls were seized from a location on Okolona Road.
Three arrested in dog fighting case
By Katelyn Patterson Feb. 29, 2016
MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) — Law enforcement in Monroe County have arrested three people in what appears to be a dog fighting case.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department was tipped off by State Alcohol Beverage Control that illegal substances like moonshine were being sold at a home on Okolona road.
When the sheriff’s department arrived to the scene they also found a number of illegal activities going on.
Such as 15-18 dogs, mostly pit bulls, and a dog ring.
It is clear that the dogs were trained to fight.
They also found controlled substances like hydrocodone, marijuana, and two stolen rifles.
The individuals arrested were Russell Jones, Patrick Jones, and Jeremy Jones.
They are all facing felony charges.
“Lots of misused animals here,” said Monroe County Sheriff, Cecil Cantrell. “There is also one horse that will probably have to be put down, it is in such bad shape. Just several things here that are breaking the law, and we are going to put a stop to it.”
The investigation is still ongoing, at this time a bond has not been set.
DISCOVERY OF DEAD DOGS UNCOVERS POSSIBLE DOG FIGHTING OPERATION
By “It’s a horrendous act. These dogs suffered mightily,” said George Bengal, PSPCA.
The lot is right across the street from a vacant home where authorities discovered seven dead and two living pit bulls in what is suspected to be a dog fighting operation.
“On the walls in one part of the downstairs of the property, it appeared to be blood all over a corner area,” said Bengal.
Authorities say there’s no evidence of anyone living in the property, there’s no furniture, just dogs being kept inside.
It is believed the three dead dogs found Thursday night were dumped in the vacant, brush-filled lot after they met their horrific demise in the house across the street.
Read more: http://6abc.com/pets/discovery-of-dead-dogs-uncovers-possible-dog-fighting-operation-/1219534/
Church leader claims dog fighting suspect, church elder, is innocent
BY WALTER SMITH-RANDOLPH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2016KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Police say a man who pleaded guilty to dog fighting charges less than four years ago is back at it again.
Now, we’re learning that the man in question is a local church elder as well.
Newschannel 3 was there when Kelvin Thomas was arrested in 2012, and we broke the news of the raid on his property again Wednesday afternoon.
But this time, the bishop of his church says he’s innocent.
The bishop and church community admit Thomas was convicted of dog fighting before, bu tthey say he’s a changed man, and they don’t believe these new charges.
Bishop T.D. Lockett is standing behind his church elder Kelvin Thomas, despite new allegations of dog fighting.
“I think he’s being framed, because I know beyond a shadow of doubt that he’s not dog fighting,” Lockett said.
But Kalamazoo County’s Animal Control chief Steve Lawrence begs to differ.
“He had been advertising the dogs or the puppies, which they do for fighting dogs, as the son of a three time champion so they’re being sold as potential fighting dogs,” Lawrence said.
Animal control seized ten dogs from Thomas’ Oshtemo Township home Wednesday.
“None of them had water, several were quite thin. All of them were anxious to get into a warm place,” Lawrence said.
This is the second time Thomas has been accused of dog fighting.
Back in 2012, 36 dogs were seized from Thomas, who pled guilty and served probation.
Bishop Lockett says Thomas learned his lesson.
“The way he was talking to me today, he was very sorry and he came and repented by the allegations. He said Bishop, I’m not doing what they say I’m doing,” Lockett said.
Meanwhile, Animal Control says the evidence is mounting.
“Most of them are young, he is just starting to build his colony of dogs,” Lawrence said.
Lockett says Thomas is innocent until proven guilty.
“It’s just like the good Lord, when he forgives you, he casts it into the sea of forgiveness and I think our media should do the same thing,” Lockett said.
As part of Thomas’ probation for his last conviction, he was not supposed to have animals for two years. However, more than four years have passed since that time.
http://wwmt.com/news/local/church-leader-claims-dog-fighting-suspect-church-elder-is-innocent
10 dogs rescued from Kzoo-area property
Kelvin Thomas has two previous convictions linked to dog fighting
24 Hour News 8 web staff – Published: Updated: KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A Kalamazoo man convicted in what was then considered the largest dog fighting bust ever in Kalamazoo County is back at it, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Authorities Wednesday rescued 10 dogs and took dog fighting paraphernalia from the property of Kelvin Eric Thomas, the HSUS reported.
The organization said it was called in to help after the Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement team suspected Thomas resumed breeding dogs for the purpose of fighting.
Records previously obtained by 24 Hours News 8 showed Thomas was arrested in 1992 for attending a dogfight in Saginaw County. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in jail.
In 2012, 46 pit bulls were seized from two locations in Kalamazoo County. The HSUS said 32 of those dogs were on Thomas’ property on KL Avenue in Oshtemo Township, near Kalamazoo. A hunter in nearby woods tipped off investigators to the operation.
Thomas pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing fighting dogs and equipment. As part of his punishment, Thomas was ordered to not own or possess dogs or dog fighting equipment for two years.
Three years later, the HSUS said it found dogs on the same chains and in the same pens.
“They didn’t have any food or water. It was really cold out this morning, windy. It was really sad to see people would treat animals like that,” said Julie Barber of the Kalamazoo Humane Society.
The dogs were living in poor conditions, she said, and didn’t have houses good enough to keep them warm. They are underweight and appeared dehydrated.
The HSUS said the Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement team will care for the newly rescued dogs, which include three Doberman pinschers and seven pit bull-type dogs. Five are puppies. A rescue coalition will evaluate their behavior to determine where they may live in the future.
Thomas does not currently face any charges. Investigators are still working to process the evidence collected at his property.
“It’s sad to know after going through all that we went through to get the dogs out last time, it was easy for him to get more dogs and pick back up. But hopefully this time we will see an end to the dog fighting,” Barber, who was also involved in the 2012 rescue, said. “You’ve got a person in your community who is taking in animals for the sole purposes of earning money from their pain and suffering. … That’s upsetting.”
A new package of bills was passed since his last arrest, and Michigan now has some of the strongest animal fighting laws in the U.S.
–24 Hour News 8’s Heather Walker contributed to this report.
10 dogs rescued from Kzoo-area property
Delray Beach man arrested, accused of dog fighting
Police find 11 wounded, mistreated dogs
By WPBF.com Web Staff – 5:23 PM EST Feb 15, 2016
A man was arrested Sunday for facilitating dog fighting after police discovered 11 wounded and mistreated dogs at his Delray Beach home.
Roy Chester Bennett, 48, faces 33 charges of animal cruelty.
Police were called to 344 Southwest 10th Avenue to investigate an anonymous report of dogs fighting behind a home.
Evidence of dog fighting was present, a release said.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control took custody of the animals.
Bennett has a previous conviction for the same offense from 1995, according to police.
http://www.wpbf.com/news/delray-beach-man-arrested-accused-of-dog-fighting/38001830
Chenango County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible dog fighting case
By Emily De Vito – Updated Feb 11, 2016 at 1:46 PM EST
(WBNG Binghamton) The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office said a case of animal cruelty in North Norwich, may be even worse than originally thought. Seven pit bulls were found weak and wounded at a property off of a small dirt road on Jan. 30.
But the sheriff’s office is now investigating if the seven dogs found at 327 Whaupaunaucau Rd. were being forced to fight in illegal dog fighting. The office has received several calls this week about the dogs potentially being used for that purpose.
“The animals had injuries that are consistent with dog fighting,” Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting (R). “There’s scarring on the nose, shoulders, which would indicate they’ve been involved in a dog fight or something similar in the past.”
When the dogs were found they were cold, hungry, and dehydrated. One responding officer said it’s the worst case he’s ever seen.
“They’re great dogs,” North Norwich Dog Control Officer Matthew Bates said. “They jump on you they want to lick you, they wanted attention. But if they got close to each other they wanted to attack each other. But that’s what they were trained to do.”
Anthony Thompson, 35, of Johnson City was charged with a misdemeanor for overdriving, torturing, or injuring an animal. The sheriff’s office says it’s unusual to see a case like this.
“I’ve been here 30 years now, this is the first actual dog fighting case that I’ve, that we’ve seen,” Cutting said.
Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic in North Norwich told Action News Wednesday a vet at the clinic did see all seven dogs — and their health is improving.
Harshest punishment for man guilty of dog fighting
BY NEWS 4 SAN ANTONIO THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH 2016SAN ANTONIO- A jury found a man guilty on 36 counts of animal cruelty Thursday morning in a Bexar County court.
The same jury later sentenced him to a year in jail on every count, served concurrently, the harshest punishment possible.
Terrence Mouton was found guilty on all charges he faced in court, and the state prosecutor informed jurors these weren’t the only cases.
“Actions both before September 13th, 2012, as well as after,” said the state prosecutor.
We in fact did a story one year after that date when 24 more dogs were seized.
Both raids found the animals in similar circumstances.
“We noted there were approximately 15-20 Pitt Bull dogs chained on property,” said Audra Houghton an investigator with Animal Care Services.
Read more: http://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/man-found-guilty-of-36-counts-of-animal-cruelty
Trials of some of the suspects arrested in connection with Apopka dog-fighting bust have begun
Posted By Erin Sullivan on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 6:49 pm
According to documents from State Attorney Jeff Ashton’s office, the trials of eight of the defendants arrested in connection with the May 2014 dog-fight bust that took place in Apopka began on Monday, Jan. 25. According to court documents, there were 26 co-defendants in the case; two have already pled and others are on appeal.
According to police affidavits, the arrests were made in connection with a raid on the home of Adell Dawson, who lived at 209 W. 7th St. in Apopka. According to Apopka police, they raided the home on May 27, 2014 after being tipped off to an organized dog fight in progress. When officers arrived, arrest affidavits say, they discovered a “large number of vehicles” parked outside the home, and a group of people “watching two pit bulls that were actively engaged in a fight.” After police announced their presence, the affidavit says, many of the men who were present attempted to flee. Officers pursued them, and “most of the males gave up and were secured with handcuffs.”
More than 24 dogs were confiscated in connection with the bust, most of which were eventually placed with various rescue organizations.
According to court records, the following defendants were scheduled to begin trial on Monday:
Renaldo Bell is charged with fighting and baiting animals, attending an animal fight, cruelty to animals and resisting arrest. He has pled not guilty.
Carlos Blue is charged with attending an animal fight and possession of cannabis. He hasn’t entered a plea yet, according to court documents on file with the Orange County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell’s office.
Jesse Combs is charged with fighting and baiting of animals, cruelty to animals and attending the fighting and baiting of animals. He has pled not guilty.
Jarrod Swinton is charged with attending the fighting and baiting of animals. He has pled not guilty.
Dale Jones is charged with attending the fighting and baiting of animals. He has pled not guilty.
Markeith Williams is charged with attending the fighting and baiting of animals. He has pled not guilty.
Deleon Hendley is charged with attending the fighting and baiting of animals. He has pled not guilty.
Kevin Jones is charged with fighting and baiting animals, attending an animal fight, cruelty to animals and resisting arrest. He has pled not guilty.
On Feb. 29, four more defendants will also go to trial: Martin Kerney, Mona Cumberland, Antonio White and Markeith Duncan.
According to court documents, Adell Dawson’s case is currently on appeal.
Gruesome cruelty case under investigation after dog bodies found
Ashley Rodrigue, Northshore Bureau Chief, [email protected] –
ROSELAND, La. – What started as a police foot chase on Garrick Road turned into a stunning discovery.
At least five deceased dogs were found decaying in a pile in a wooded area behind several trailers. Scattered around them were signs of similar lives that ended before theirs. Yards away, crumbling, flooded shelters far from worthy of a dog house title. Most have heavy chains attached with remnants of recent feeding nearby.
“It’s very sad. It breaks your heart to see people would actually do this,” said Randy Stegall with Tangi Humane Society.
Roseland Police, and animal abuse investigators from the Tangi Humane Society, believe this is evidence of a possible dog-fighting operation. And they’re taking it on, together, as an animal cruelty case.
“Unfortunately, this is something we run into when everything is not enforced the way it needs to be done and they wind up tying them in the woods. They steal people’s dogs and use them for training,” said Stegall.
“We’re going to find out who’s doing this. We’re not gonna stop to we find out who’s responsible for this,” said Roseland Police Chief Henry Wright.
Animal advocates say this isn’t a problem just in Roseland and it’s also not a problem that seems to be slowing.
“We’re gonna be on this a lot harder than we ever have been, to expose the areas, with hopes that we can get more enforcement done and we can get this taken care of,” said Stegall.
Starting with this case, where authorities hope delivering justice will also send a message to animal abusers and those in the community letting scenes like this thrive quietly.
If you have any information about this case, contact Roseland Police. If you have information about any other animal abuse in the Tangipahoa Parish area, contact your local law enforcement agency and the Tangi Humane Society.
Buffalo man again convicted of dog fighting
on January 12, 2016 – 7:42 AM – By Melinda Miller – News Staff Reporter
After 16 months in and out of court, a Buffalo man with a prior federal conviction for dog fighting has been found guilty again of engaging in felony animal fighting.
Edward “Boo” Bishop, 53, of Hewitt Street originally faced seven counts of animal fighting, one for each dog found at his residence during a raid in April 2014. The raid, involving six locations and resulting in 20 dogs being seized, involved Buffalo Police and investigators from the SPCA Serving Erie County and the ASPCA as part of a crack-down on dog-fighting in the region.
In September, Judge Thomas P. Franczyk suppressed some of the evidence gathered during the raid, ruling that it was outside the parameters of the search warrant.
A nonjury trial on the remaining indictments, prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nathanael C. Kapperman and with Nicholas W. Hicks representing Bishop, concluded in December. At that point, the judge dismissed three counts of the indictment based on evidence that three of the dogs in question showed no physical signs of having been in fights or of being trained to fight.
On Monday, Franczyk issued a verdict convicting Bishop of one count of the indictment, involving a single dog that was confiscated during the raid. The judge ruled that prosecutors had not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Bishop was guilty on the remaining counts.
In issuing his decision, Franczyk wrote that, although all the remaining dogs showed evidence that they likely had been in fights at some point in their lives, all but one was not “conditioned” for fighting at the time of the raid.
“The injuries only indicate that they were former fighting dogs” who were being housed at Bishop’s home, the judge wrote, and did not prove that Bishop was training them to fight.
One dog, however, “had many earmarks of a dog recently trained to fight,” the judge wrote, “including significant muscle mass, definition and apparent ‘gameness’ for fighting, as evidence by his rapid, silent, aggressive and jaw clenching take down” of a fake dog in a video of the animal presented in court.
That dog also had scarring on its face, was missing part of an ear and had fractured incisors, testimony showed.
Franczyk also noted Bishop’s prior conviction for sponsoring a dog in a fight for profit. In 2010, Bishop was sentenced to 30 days incarceration and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty in federal court to sponsoring an animal in a fight. It was reported at the time that Bishop entered his dog in dog fight on June 2009 and won about $4,000.
Bishop, who has been free on bail since his arrest, faces up to four years in prison when he is sentenced before Franczyk on Feb. 17.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/buffalo/buffalo-man-again-convicted-of-dog-fighting-20160112
Kearneysville man pleads guilty to role in dog fighting operation
Authorities said they rescued 21 dogs from his property
A Kearneysville man pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of possessing an animal for participation in animal fighting venture.
Steven Jennings, 54, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the charge.
In June 2015, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the the Humane Society of the United States executed a search warrant for a residence on the 4000-block of Bowers Road.
The agencies said they rescued 21 pit bulls from the property.
In addition to the dogs, more than 60 items consistent with dog fighting were seized from the home. Investigating officers said they seized a fighting pit, breeding stations, weights, chains and more.
Dog fighting ring busted in Pontiac raid
11 arrested; 5 dogs rescued
PONTIAC, Mich. – Officer’s described it as a “horrifically cruel operation.”
A police raid in Pontiac shut down an entire street as task forces broke up a dog fighting ring.
“I was in the house listening to the radio and I heard a big flash bang,” said Paul Church, a neighbor. “I put some shoes on and ran outside and all you could see is swat teams and cops.”
Church has lived in the Pontiac area all his life, but says he has never seen anything like that. The flash bang was only the start of the raid.
The raid happened on Mark Avenue on Saturday night.
With help from the FBI and the downriver area narcotics organizations, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department busted the down doors and arrested 11 people.
“They only lived there six months or so,” said Mark James who lives across the street. “Saw all the dogs moving in and out of there. We assumed something was going on.”
The home-renter is a felon with dog fighting and narcotics convictions. Others were arrested who drove three hours to participate in the fight.
Five dogs were rescued, including puppies that appeared to be in training.
Read more: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/dog-fighting-ring-busted-in-pontiac-raid
Man charged with animal cruelty, dog fighting
FORT PIERCE — A police investigation into allegations of dogs being used in fighting has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man.
On Saturday three dogs were taken into custody by Fort Pierce Animal Control. One had ” heavy bleeding to the face and body,” according to a police report.
They were at the home of Donald Allen, 30, of the 2500 block of Wilkerson Avenue, Fort Pierce, who was arrested on charges of animal cruelty and dog fighting.
When police went to the house people were standing around what appeared to be an outdoor dog fighting area. When Allen was asked if he had any dogs, he brought out two dogs that were healthy.
Police went back when a citizen tipped them that an injured dog was still inside the house. Inside police found the dog and dog fighting trophies.
– Marty Roney, Montgomery Advertiser
PRATTVILLE – The Autauga County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible dog-fighting incident after video of what appears to be a fight was found on a stolen cell phone.
The investigation began Tuesday afternoon after an Autaugaville resident reported his cell phone stolen, said Sheriff Joe Sedinger.
“We pinged his phone and deputies found it in the fork of a tree in a wooded area in the 500 block of North Pickett Street,” Sedinger said. “We also found two pit bulls chained up that had injuries consistent with dog fighting.”
When deputies checked the phone, they found footage of a dog fight. The footage also showed the faces of people who were in attendance, he said. Investigators believe the suspect who stole the phone recorded the images.
“So we have a lot of good evidence,” the sheriff said Wednesday afternoon.
No arrests have been made and the dogs were taken to the Prattville-Autauga County Humane Shelter.
The area in which two dogs were seized Tuesday is in the same location where deputies seized 13 pit bulls in January, 2015. The dogs were chained in the woods and deputies found a plywood ring where they believe dog fighting took place.
No arrests have been made in that case.
“It’s very hard to make an arrest,” Sedinger said. “Usually people putting on the fight will call other people on cell phones and tell them to meet at a certain time in the rural parts of the county.”
“Then the folks with the dogs show up, and they fight the dogs and then leave. The whole thing may take place in 10 or 15 minutes and then everybody is gone.”
Residents are asked to report suspicious activity.
Deputies investigate dog-fighting ring, dog theft
Dog seized after bust stolen from Animal Control the next day, deputies say
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – Putnam County prosecutors are trying to determine if they’ve got enough evidence to file any charges after a dog-fighting ring was broken up by deputies over the weekend.
Investigators discovered the ring late Saturday night on Azaela Lane in Hawthorne and seized 19 dogs.
Putnam County Animal Control had to put down one of the dogs involved in the fight. And another one was stolen from its cage at the facility the day after the bust.
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies responding about midnight Saturday to a call of barking dogs and people yelling found a dog-fighting event in the woods off Azalea Lane in west Putnam County.
As Deputy Mark Juen and Sgt. Shannon Depew approached the lighted area in the woods, about 100 people ran into the woods, leaving behind 39 vehicles, some registered from as far away as Jonesboro, Georgia, and Bradenton, Florida.
“The cars come from as far away as Jonesboro, Georgia, which is up by Atlanta, and down by Barstow and down in that area, so I mean this with obviously an advertised thing,” Capt. Dick Schauland said.
The deputies found two dogs fighting inside an arena made out of a wooden box. Both dogs had wounds evidently as a result of the ongoing fight, deputies said.
More deputies arrived, and they found 19 dogs in the immediate area, a digital hanging scale, two cellphones, sponges and a 12-gauge shotgun. The items were collected as evidence.
The dogs were collected by Putnam County Animal Control.
Enforcement Division manager Lisa Suarez helped out, getting the dogs food and water and putting them into the kennels.
“This is where we held them the very first night when they came in and then we locked up this front door and we left for the night,” Suarez said.
Inside the kennel, surrounded by two gates, Animal Control employees thought the animals were secure. But when they got back hours later, they found one of the cages slashed and one of the two dogs the deputies had found involved in the fight was missing.
Deputies said they believe the thieves backed a truck up to the fence. Tire marks could be seen on the ground, along with an indentation in the fence.
“I guess they just opened it up that night and just lifted that up, because right now there are four dogs in here, and they found the one they were after and just used bolt cutters,” Suarez said.
Read more: http://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia/putnam-county/deputies-bust-dog-fighting-ring-dog-stolen
Alleged dog-fighting operation busted in Tilbury area, 40 dogs seized
Three people are facing animal cruelty charges after police say about 40 dogs were seized in a dog-fighting operation bust in the Tilbury area.
As part of a joint forces operation, multiple warrants were executed at a residence in Tilbury East Township on Friday.
It involved members of the Ontario SPCA major case management team, Chatham-Kent police intelligence unit, critical incident response team, forensic identification unit, major crime section and community patrol branch.
Approximately 40 dogs were seized from the property and placed into the care of the Ontario SPCA.
Police say the animals were found in various health conditions and will be individually assessed by a veterinarian. A treatment plan will be created based on their needs.
A large quantity of evidence that is consistent with the training of dogs to fight was seized, say police.
In addition to the dogs and training equipment, a number of firearms were also found and seized.
Due to the complexity of this incident and large amount of evidence found on the property, police say the investigation will be on-going.
A 43-year-old man, 41-year-old man and 39-year-old woman, all from that same location, are facing animal cruelty and firearm related offences.
They will be held in custody pending a bail hearing.
23 pit bulls recovered in dog fighting investigation
The Washington Post
September 30, 2015 2:59 PM EDT – After receiving a tip about a home in North Carolina with numerous dogs that showed bite marks, investigators obtained a search warrant and found 23 pit bulls including seven puppies living in filth. (Monica Akhtar / The Washington Post)
Seven pit bulls killed after dog-fighting arrest
Seven of 10 adult pit bulls seized last week during a drug raid were killed Friday due to extreme aggression, Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter officials said.
Craig McKinley
Craig McKinley, 42, of 2618 Bryant St., Houma, who trained the animals for dog fighting, was arrested Wednesday on multiple dog-fighting and drug charges, according to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“We had an incident last Friday where (the pit bulls) presented a safety hazard for the other animals,” Animal Shelter Manager Valerie Robinson said.
One dog managed to break through its kennel to attack another pit bull unrelated to the dog-fighting case, and the other six were straining to break through their cages.
“Luckily, we were able to separate the two before worse things could happen,” Robinson said.
It took three staff members, including herself, to subdue the fight. The victim sustained severe puncture wounds and bleeding and is being treated by the shelter’s veterinarian.
“We couldn’t safely house (the pit bulls) because they were a hazard for our staff and the other animals,” Robinson said.
The dogs’ unsupervised presence over the weekend would have put the rest of the shelter animals at risk, she added. The shelter houses about 50 dogs and 130 cats, the majority of which are up for adoption, officials said.
Robinson said she has encountered her fair share of dog-fighting cases in her 13 years at the shelter.
“This is very common behavior for dogs brought up in this environment,” she said. “All of the cases are very similar where they are brought up from very young to fight to the death. The fights can last for hours.”
Read more: http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20150608/ARTICLES/150609675?p=1&tc=pg
10 ARRESTED, 17 ANIMALS RECOVERED IN ELIZABETH DOG FIGHTING RING BUST
ELIZABETH (WABC) — Ten people are facing criminal charges following the weekend breakup of a dog fighting ring operating in New Jersey.The arrests were made Saturday night in a home on Magnolia Avenue in Elizabeth and following a traffic stop of a van nearby.
Authorities say they found 17 dogs, several with obvious injuries and most being kept in small, dirty steel or plastic cages, inside the home and van. They also recovered a treadmill allegedly used to build up the dogs’ endurance levels in preparation for fights, a dog fighting ring stained with blood, a pellet gun, marijuana and a stolen ATV.
The suspects were identified as 19-year-old Shaquille Mars, 20-year-old Leon King, 20-year-old Rahman Johnson, 21-year-old Tamir Norville, 22-year-old George Parker, Jr., 28-year-old Larry Polanco, 32-year-old Shakemah Lytle-Johnson, 36-year-old Algernon Norville and 64-year-old Nathaniel Thompson, all of Elizabeth, as well as 21-year-old Rashadik Johnson, of Irvington.
Norville was charged with a second-degree certain persons offense for possession of the pellet gun, third-degree fighting or baiting animals, and marijuana possession; his bail was set at $75,000.
The remaining defendants were charged with third-degree fighting or baiting animals and released on summonses, with the exception of Thomspon, who was held on $20,000 bond.
The dogs recovered as a result of this operation are currently in the custody of the SCPA. It is expected that they will be evaluated by veterinary specialists with the intent of placing them in rehabilitative care elsewhere in the state.
The New Jersey statute criminalizing dog fighting was amended in 2013 in order to make involvement in such activity a third-degree criminal offense punishable by three to five years in state prison.
Akron police detail raid of bloody dog fighting ring that led to 47 arrests (video, slideshow)
By Email the author | Follow on Twitter on November 17, 2014 at 4:18 PM, updated – November 17, 2014 at 5:34 PM
One of eight pit bulls rescued at a dog fighting raid in Akron.
AKRON, Ohio — Dried and fresh blood from pit bulls lined the ring police say an Akron man used to host dog fights.
A concession stand outside sold hot dogs and refreshments. After police raided the home Saturday using an armored truck, they found about $30,000 scattered through the yard and eight pit bulls — six ready to fight and two bloodied dogs inside the ring.
About 100 Akron police officers, two SWAT teams and Summit County Sheriff’s deputies participated in the raid in the 1100 block of Cordova Avenue on Saturday that uncovered the largest dog fighting bust in recent history.
In all, 47 people were arrested from five states. Investigators found 15 marijuana plants inside the home, seized more than $51,000 total, 11 vehicles and two guns.
All 47 are charged in Akron Municipal Court. Bonds have been set between $10,000 and $100,000.
“It’s horrifying to see a dog ring with blood all over it and all these people bringing dogs and money to watch,” Akron Police Chief James Nice said. “It makes you so mad. It’s sickening. I don’t think a (fourth-degree) felony is enough.”
Akron police say they found training equipment inside a long metal storage shed along the side of the home, including treadmills and thick chains attached to pulleys that were used to hang a dog in order to strengthen their jaws.
Two of the dogs were fighting when the raid began. Both suffered injuries during the fight, including at the beginning when two people stabbed the dogs in order to get them ready to fight, Nice said.
All eight were taken to the Humane Society of Summit County. They received treatment, but Nice said they may be unable to rehabilitate because of the training they received.
Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2014/11/47_arrested_in_akron_dog_fight.html
Baltimore-based dogfighting ring busted
Yearlong investigation nets 22 indictments, 139 dogs, guns, drugs
– By Saliqa Khan – 10:53 AM EST Dec 23, 2014
Officials said a yearlong investigation has led to the indictment of 22 alleged members of a Baltimore-based dogfighting ring.
The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City made the announcement Monday following an investigation by the Major Investigations Unit of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office and the Special Enforcement Section of the Baltimore Police Department.
“The behavior of these individuals is despicable,” Baltimore City police Col. Sean Miller said.
The indictment alleges a sprawling conspiracy that dates back to April 2013, when several alleged members of the Baltimore ring were linked to a dogfighting bust in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
The charging documents allege that from the summer of 2013 through the time of indictment, some 139 dogs, mostly pit bulls and including 28 puppies, were recovered from individuals implicated in the indictment, along with a dozen firearms, numerous treadmills, breaking sticks, heavy chains, conditioning harnesses, steroids, topical and injectable medications meant to be administered by licensed professionals, bloodstained dogfighting rings, surgical equipment, and breeding stands — referred by dogfighters, according to the indictments, as “rape stands” — which were used to facilitate the breeding, training and fighting of dogs.
“In this unforgiving underworld, a dog who loses a fight is routinely executed, most commonly by hanging, electrocution, drowning or shooting,” Assistant State’s Attorney Thiru Vignarajah said.
In addition to the arrests of the defendants this week, 17 search and seizure warrants — 14 in Baltimore City, two in Baltimore County, and one in West Virginia — were executed in which weapons and instrumentalities of the dogfighting ring were recovered, including eight firearms and 86 additional dogs — all pit bulls and nearly two dozen puppies — five treadmills, two “rape stands,” heavy chains, conditioning harnesses, and surgical equipment. Additionally, a marijuana grow operation and over $70,000 in cash — were also found during the police raids.
Dogfighting is an underground criminal enterprise where dogs are systematically bred, conditioned and trained to engage in violent brutal combat for entertainment and financial gain. A central feature of dogfighting is the illegal placement of wagers, and the total purse among spectators can be $100,000 and higher, with individual cash bets of $25,000. These illegal associations transcend state borders, and dogfighters regularly travel outside the state of Maryland to procure and deliver dogs and to participate in dogfighting events. Relying upon common criminal networks, members of dogfighting rings have also been involved in firearms and narcotics trafficking.
“We have bite sticks, weapons, forced treadmill activity to make the dogs stronger for fighting. It is just ridiculous behavior, especially in 2014. We still have human beings that feel dogs are bred to do this kind of thing. It’s just ridiculous,” Miller said.
Dogs who survive these brutal contests often later succumb to complications from injuries sustained during fights. To increase the chances of prevailing in dog fights — and to maximize the corresponding profits from gambling on matches — dogfighting rings employ disturbing conditioning methods designed to make dogs more aggressive, vicious and lethal. Dogs are compelled to wear weighted collars and heavy chains; they train in extreme weather conditions and on treadmills modified to push dogs to their physical limits. Dogfighting rings also avoid legitimate, licensed sources of medical care and veterinary services out of concern that the scarring, wounds, and general condition of their dogs, which would be regarded by those professionals as evidence of dogfighting, would be noticed and reported to authorities. Accordingly, dogfighters provide routine medical care themselves and administer shots, vaccines, and prescription medicines that are stolen or illegitimately obtained; they perform surgical procedures in substandard conditions.
“The firearms and narcotics seized during the course of this investigation and during the execution of the search warrants this week establish that there is a strong connection between those individuals who would subject animals to horrific treatment and abuse and those engaged in the drug trade and acts of violence. The indictment announced today highlights this connection and hopefully will protect innocent and vulnerable animals from further abuse and reduce violent criminal activity that adversely impacts our community,” State’s Attorney Gregg Bernstein said.
Seventeen of the 22 defendants indicted this past week have criminal histories; eight of whom have convictions for crimes of violence. Five of the 22 have convictions for handgun violations; two of them have sex offense convictions; one of them has a prior conviction for murder. The defendants in custody are:
- Daryl Addison, 38, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, as well as four counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting, four counts of animal abuse and neglect, and other related charges.
- Omar Alfarouq, 76, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, 16 counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting, 18 counts of animal abuse and neglect, and other related charges.
- Anthony Banks, 37, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy.
- Dion Brown, 29, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, seven counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting and 14 counts of animal abuse and neglect.
- Raymond Casey, 37, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, as well as five counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting and eight counts of animal abuse and neglect.
- Larry Gardner, 34, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, as well as four counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting, four counts of animal abuse and neglect, and other related charges.
- Rodney Greene, 38, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, as well as eleven counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting and 12 counts of animal abuse and neglect.
- Jovon Lee, 41, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy.
- William Murray, Jr., 47, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy
- Kenneth Rice, 54, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, seven counts of animal abuse and neglect, and other related charges.
- James Roles, 45, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, one count of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting.
- Daryl Solomon, 40, charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, four counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting, four counts of animal abuse and neglect.
- Terry White, 38, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, four counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting, three counts of animal abuse and neglect and other related charges.
- Tyrone Wolfe, 41, is charged with the dogfighting conspiracy, three counts of aggravated cruelty related to dogfighting, four counts of animal abuse and neglect and other related charges.
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/baltimorebased-dogfighting-ring-busted/30353616
17 dogs rescued, 26 people arrested in Florida dogfighting bust
By
An animal services officer takes a canine to safety after what police raided the largest dog-fighting ring in Apopka history. (Photo credit: WFTV.com)
Tuesday night, after a lengthy investigation sparked by an anonymous tip, authorities in Apopka, Florida, initiated a raid on a confirmed dogfighting operation.
Apopka Police Department spokesperson Sergeant Kim Walsh tells the Orlando Sentinel that while the men involved in the operation thought of dogfighting as merely a gambling sport, what she and the other officers discovered in the raid would have made most people cringe.
“The rest of us would consider this cruel and inhumane,” she says.
The orchestrated bust occurred while an actual dogfight was in progress, according to WESH Orlando. Police arrived on the scene around 9:30 p.m. to find a long line of parked cars outside of the residence. Looking closer, officers discovered more than a dozen dogs inside of those cars, dogs awaiting — or more likely, dreading — their turn in the ring.
As the authorities made their way to the backyard of the home, they discovered nearly 40 people crowded around a makeshift fighting ring, including two young children brought to the fight by their parents. The crowd scattered, many of the blood sport spectators abandoning their dogs in their cars or setting them free in the neighborhood as they tried to thwart the police.
“We made an announcement t everyone that was involved, and everyone on the premises tried to run. Individuals [were] running in this neighborhood. We set up a perimeter to apprehend as many as we possibly could,” Sgt. Walsh explains.
When all was said and done, 26 people were arrested, most by force. Seven of those apprehended were injured trying to flee, police say. Four of those detained had to be subdued with a stun gun, and one was caught by a police K-9. The rest hurt themselves by falling as they tried to avoid the police.
The children watching the fight, one as young as 5-years-old, have since been released into their grandparents’ custody.
Animal Control officers helped to round up the dogs involved in the fight, most of them Pit Bull Terriers, including many who were gravely injured. One dog had to be brought out on a stretcher because he was unable to move. Authorities believe this dog was used in the first of four dogfights held at the home that night.
“They fought the dogs to the death,” Sgt. Walsh says.
In all, roughly 17 dogs were taken from the property that night. Apopka Police Chief Robert Manley says the dogs were not aggressive with people at all, but behaved as they were trained to, wanting to kill other dogs.
“After we broke up the fight, we had one of them caged up and one of them took off running,” Chief Manley says. “As it passed the 15 [to] 20 dogs out there, he kept attacking.”
“That’s all these dogs do is attack each other,” he added. “It was very tragic.”
Investigators also discovered caged rabbits chickens, and even raccoons in the backyard. They also found a mother dog and a litter of puppies. Sgt. Walsh says equipment discovered at the residence indicates that this was a sophisticated dogfighting operation.
“This home has been set up. It’s got treadmills in it for the dogs to run on. It’s got bait. They have raccoons back there that they use to train the dogs on,” Sgt. Walsh tells MyNews13.com. “It’s definitely set up as a dogfighting activity.”
Neighbors seemed shocked that such a terrible activity had been going on in their neck of the woods.
“I think it’s real crazy. It’s real crazy,” neighbor Darren Hopper tells ClickOrlando.com.
It is not yet known whether any of the dogs will be able to be rehabilitated, but the investigation into the dogfighting operation continues today. Apopka Police say there are still about 10 more dogs inside the home itself. They plan to obtain and execute a search warrant to remove those dogs from the property.
Sources: ClickOrlando.com, MyNews13.com, WESH Orlando, Orlando Sentinel
19 dogs rescued, 13 charged in SC dogfighting ring bust, SLED says
Published:
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference Friday at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to announce the arrests in a joint investigation regarding dog fighting.
On Thursday SLED, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducted a raid at 5165 Springhill Road, Rembert.
As a result of this raid, law enforcement discovered an arena or box associated with dog fighting and pit bulldogs in the back yard of the residence, SLED said in a press release.
In addition, 13 adults were arrested and 1 juvenile was detained, 19 dogs were seized, 7 vehicles were seized, approximately $3,000 was seized, along with guns and an unknown amount of marijuana.
Officers told WLTX that the dogs — a mix of adult dogs and puppies — will be evaluated by veterinarians.
The bust started because of a tip to law enforcement, WLTX reported.
The defendants were booked into the Sumter Lee Correctional County Detention Center.
19 dogs rescued, 13 charged in SC dogfighting ring bust, SLED says