Return to the Dog Fighting page Return to Dog Fighting in The news Page 1 Dog Fighting Cases Currently In the News Page 1|Page 2| Page 3|Page4 The information provided on the C.D.T website is provided as a public service and is intended to be used as reference material. The records available through C.D.T are not official records. Assessing the accuracy and reliability of information contained in the website is the user's responsibility. The information contained in the C.D.T website does not contain all information from official court records available to the public. Court pleadings,  may be found in case files that may be obtained through the  Courts Legal Documents offices but are not available through C.D.T. Certain home addresses are not available through C.D.T as disclosure of such information on the Internet may constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. All information available through C.D.T is public information All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For more detailed information of cases please visit www.pet-abuse.com Allouez man sent to trial on Pit bull training case.                                                       Injured Dog Left for dead in dumpster  Pittsburgh PA  October 27, 2006-Allouez man sent to trial in pit bull training case -Smith is free on a signature bond- A 23-year-old man accused of training pit bulls to fight inside his Allouez home was bound over for trial Thursday. Brown County Court Commissioner Jane Sequin heard about 90 minutes of testimony from a Brown County Sheriff's deputy, who helped search Kendale Smith's Oakwood Avenue home, and from Green Bay Police animal control officer Sharon Hensen, who examined the three pit bulls seized. During the testimony, deputy John Flannery testified he found two pit bulls penned inside a closed garage on a 95-degree day and another pit bull chained to a pole in the basement. None of the animals had food or water, Flannery said. Deputies entered Smith's home July 31 on an inspection warrant with the Allouez building inspector who was responding to complaints about animals left unattended in the home. Flannery said there were puddles of urine and piles of dog feces in the basement and urine-soaked woodchips in the kennel cages. The dog in the basement "seemed to be afraid of us," Flannery said. "As we approached it, it seemed to shy away from us." Hensen said one of the dogs, a small female, had suffered several injuries, an indication that it had been involved in fights. Hensen said equipment found in the home, including a large spring connected to the ceiling and a rudimentary treadmill, were used to condition dogs for fighting. Scars found on all three animals indicated they had been involved in fights, she said. Smith's lawyer, Tim Pedretti, offered that the equipment could just as easily have been there to provide the animals exercise. Hensen disagreed, pointing out she had never seen a spring used for legitimate dog training. Brown County Deputy District Attorney John Luetscher admitted much of the evidence presented at trial was circumstantial, but that it was enough to push the case to trial. Smith faces three counts of training animals to fight and one count of intentionally failing to provide water for an animal. Smith is free after signing a signature bond. If convicted on all counts, Smith faces 11 years in prison. Source:http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/GPG0101/610270625/1978                                    Oct 20, 2006 -Injured Dog Left For Dead In Dumpster Anyone with information about the case is urged to call 412/847-7065. (KDKA) PITTSBURGH Humane officers are hoping a $1000 reward and footage from surveillance camera will help lead them to the person left a severely injured pit bull for dead in a dumpster on Monday. According to animal welfare workers, the dog -- now called Chance -- had bite marks over his neck when they found him bleeding in a dumpster behind Longo's Bar on East Warrington Avenue in Allentown. "He had some pretty serious puncture wounds in his neck," explains the Animal Rescue League's Dan Mushner. "Looks like he may have been a bait dog for dog fighting." Based on the injuries, Humane Officer Kathy Hecker also believes the animal was used for dog-fighting. "I there was a dog fight that went on. The wounds as the veterinarian described them are bite wounds and the dog was mortally wounded at that point so the owner just thought he was a piece of garbage and threw him in the dumpster." Chance has been recovering at the Animal Rescue League and veterinarians have treated his wounds. Once he's well enough, the shelter will put him up for adoption. Despite what he's been through, the shelter says Chance has a wonderfully sweet disposition and would make an excellent family pet. Right now, though, the focus is on finding the person who hurt him. Fortunately, surveillance cameras from a nearby business captured the suspect dragging Chance down the street in the direction of the dumpster. Eyewitnesses say they saw the two sitting there for several hours – presumably waiting for another dog to fight. Anyone with information about the case is urged to call 412/847-7065. Source:http://kdka.com/topstories/local_story_293102306.html  Cops Seize 22 Pit Bulls -Cocaine from home Chicago Il                                                                            Texas/Dayton Men Charged after Dog Fighting arrests        October30-2006-BY FRANK MAIN-Twenty-two pit bulls, an assault weapon and two kilograms of cocaine have been seized from a south suburban home - and a Chicago man faces a court hearing today in the sting, officials said. Brian Washington, 31, is charged with weapons and drug violations that could lead to a prison term of at least 30 years if he is convicted, said Tony DeBois, director of the Harvey Police narcotics and gangs unit. Washington, who uses a wheelchair, was paralyzed from the waist down in a shooting in Chicago, DeBois said. In a written statement, Washington told police he earns $600 a month on disability, but he was living in a house in Markham valued at about $300,000, according to DeBois. Informants in Harvey told DeBois that Washington was supplying cocaine there, and DeBois launched an investigation about three months ago, he said. "If drugs reach the city limits of Harvey, I will lock up you up," said DeBois. Markham authorities will try to find homes for the dogs, which were kept in cages. Police suspect Washington was selling them for fights. Washington violated a Markham ordinance that bans pit bulls, DeBois said. Police also confiscated four vehicles, three pistols, more than $10,000 in cash and other drugs, said DeBois. The Markham police, State Police, Cook County sheriff's office and Blue Island police participated in the raid Friday, he said. fmain@suntimes.com SOURCE: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/116811,103006sting.article                                                               November 01, 2006 -Texas man, Dayton man charged after dog-fighting arrests- DAYTON — Two men arrested last week stemming from a possible dog-fighting operation at 43 Boltin St. have been charged in Municipal Court with dog fighting, according to court records. Ennis P. Lungs, 41, of Beaumont, Texas, and Eric A. Lewis, 44, of the Boltin Street address, each face eight counts of the fourth-degree felony.Lungs was booked into the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of a $750,000 bond. Lewis posted $5,045 in bail. Police on Oct. 25 confiscated firearms, bottles of injectable substances, dog-fighting publications, a non-motorized dog treadmill and other items. Source:www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/31/ddn110106dogfighting.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=16 UPDATE 3 Accused In Dog-Fighting Ring Appear In Court POSTED: 11:50 am EST November 7, 2006 UPDATED: 12:04 pm EST November 7, 2006 DAYTON, Ohio -- Three suspects, connected to a dog-fighting ring, face more than 150 criminal counts. Police said the men were using the dogs to fight for money and said when they arrested the suspects, they found the dogs, cash and medicines they were using to treat the dogs after fighting them. The dogs are now at the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center. On Tuesday, Donyell Moschetti and Ennis Lungs appeared in court. Police said some of the dogs were covered with cuts and bruises that prove that the men were using them in a cruel way, pitting one against another. But attorney Jon Rion said his clients are being singled out. All three men were given a $100,000 bond, but Rion said at least one of his clients will be released shortly after he is formally charged. Source:http://www.whiotv.com/news/10263943/detail.html                                                      2 Men arrested in Dog Fighting Bust  Aiken County                                                  Dog Fighting- 3 dogs seized Augusta GA   November2-2006AIKEN - Two men were arrested and 17 pit bulls were seized Wednesday when authorities broke up a Warrenville animal fighting ring, police say.Arrested and charged with felony animal fighting were Aiken men William J. Gines, 18, of the 1200 block of Powell Pond Road, and Koran M. Sapp, 23, of the 1100 block of Herndon Dairy Road.Detectives and animal control officers were tipped off about the dogfighting and found evidence at a home on the 100 block of Keith Drive that the two men were breeding pit bulls for fighting, said Lt. Michael Frank, spokesman for the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.There were dogs fighting when officers arrived, he said.Aiken County Animal Control seized the dogs, which included adults and pit bull puppies. Lt. Frank said 37-year-old Monica Green lives at the Keith Drive home."The fighting was going on in a pen maybe a hundred feet behind her home, but she says she didn't know anything about it," he said. The matter is still under investigation, he said. Detectives are also looking for seven to eight people who were watching the dogs fight Wednesday afternoon when authorities raided the home, Lt. Frank said. Both Mr. Gines and Mr. Sapp were booked into the Aiken County Detention Center. If convicted, the two could be fined up to $5,000 and sentenced to five years in prison. SECOND STORY:Aiken) – The Aiken County Sheriff's Office and Aiken County Animal Control arrested two men and seized 17 pit bulls used for dogfighting behind a home at 180 Keith Drive in Warrenville Wednesday afternoon. Police charged 23-year-old Koran M. Sapp of Herndon Dairy Road in Aiken with animal fighting. Police charged 18-year-old William J. Gines of Powell Pond Road in Aiken with animal fighting. Deputies received word from a tipster about the suspected dogfighting. Acting on the complaint, deputies and animal control officers arrived at the home about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday and say they found the men and several other individuals actively fighting dogs inside a fenced area directly behind the home. Deputies and officers immediately arrested the two men, while the others ran from the scene. Animal fighting in South Carolina is a felony. Officials say conviction carries a fine of up to $5,000 or five years in prison, or both. Both men are being held at the Aiken County Detention Center.SOURCE:http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=43628 Third Story: 2 charged in Aiken County dogfighting case Aiken South Carolina: Two people were arrested and 17 dogs were seized Wednesday as officers broke up a dogfight in progress in Warrenville, Aiken County deputies say. The officers, who came to the house after someone complained, found a fighting pen behind the home and several people watching a dogfight, sheriff's spokesman Lt. Michael Frank said. Koran M. Sapp, 23, and William J. Gines, 18, both of Aiken are charged with animal fighting. If convicted of the felony, the men face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Animal control officers also rounded up the 17 pit bull dogs found at the home, authorities said. Source:http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061101/APN/611012257 Source:http://www.augustachronicle.com/">http://www.augustachronicle UPDATE: A pit bull ring has been exposed in Warrenville, and two men have been arrested. Deputies and animal control officers say they found a fight in progress. News 12 has a closer look at the brutal sport and its consequences. The fact is, these dogs pay a big price. Most don't live past 3 or 4 years old...and they're the lucky ones. Officers say 17 pit bulls, some as young as six months old, were being trained to fight. "Most of the time when they're fighting, they fight until they're dead," Rodney Cooper, the temporary chief of the Animal Control office told News 12. "Usually only one comes out of the pit alive." The dogs that were rescued from the ring are mild-tempered and calm around humans...but as soon as another dog shows up, they turn vicious. "We can walk them on a leash, but if they get close to another animal, they'll want to attack," Cooper said. One of them was injured so severely, it'll most likely be put to sleep. Aiken County Animal Control officers say the dog not only has a broken leg, but it's also suffering from severe internal bleeding, with several very visible puncture wounds all over its body. "It's a so-called 'sport', and it's nowhere near a sport," said Cooper. "It's inhumane." 18-year-old William Gines and 23-year-old Koran Sapp are charged with felony animal fighting. The owner of the home where the dogs were found didn't want her face shown. She told us she knew her son was breeding pit bulls, but didn't know there was an illegal ring right in her backyard. "I told him he needed to move them because they get loose, and I thought he bred them to sell," she said. The two men who were charged did not live at the homeowner's address. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. Investigators are still looking for several other people who were watching the dogs fight when the house was raided. Source:http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/4553241.html                                   November 2, 2006 Three pit bulls are still recovering from a dog fight, and the man officers say was behind it has been in trouble before. Richmond County Animal Control has a warrant out for the arrest of Charles Larke, Jr., said to have organized a dog fight in south Augusta yesterday (November 1). Larke is on probation for crimes he committed in 2004: shoplifting, filing a false report and breaking into a car. He is the son of former Richmond County school superintendent Dr. Charles Larke. It took all day for the warrant to be granted. Now we're waiting for some serious charges of animal cruelty. They're locked up and looking worn out...not exactly a treat for the three dogs recovered from the scene of what deputies say was a dog fight. Animal Control Director Randy Teasley was called to the regency mall Wednesday after a sheriff's deputy witnessed a dog fight. "They were in a circle fighting the dogs. All three of 'em," Teasley told News 12. "[The dogs] weren't critically injured, but they were bleeding. They had cuts on their ears and their legs from bites in their necks." Teasley believes the fight was orchestrated by Charles Larke, Jr. We visited Larke's south Augusta home. He was there, but he denied who he really was. "And are you his brother?" we asked. "Yes, ma'am," Larke said. "Do you know where he is?" "If he ain't here, I'll check to see if he's here." Larke then went inside to quote "look for him". Andrew Cloer lives in the same neighborhood. He admits he too has fought dogs...but not anymore. "When I was a lot younger I did it one time," he said. "I got caught for it and I learned from my mistakes. I never did it again, never have, and I say that it's wrong." Very wrong, in fact, if you consult Georgia's law books. If convicted, Larke could face a $5000 fine and up to five years in prison. "If we catch you fighting dogs in Richmond County, we're going to prosecute you," Teasley said. Larke has not yet been arrested. We understand there may be some confusion among the two departments as to who will be making that arrest. Officers say two other people were involved. They're both males. One is 14 years old; the other's an adult. One of them may have given police a false name, so they're still working to identify both of them Source:http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/4559896.html                                                                                                                                                                   Men arrested over organization of Dog Fights                                                                                         9 Pit bulls removed from house, Part of Fighting Ring OH Nov 13, 2006, 11:57 CET *UPDATE BELOW* Two men have been arrested for organizing dog fights. A 30-year-old man from Valletta and a 58-year-old man from Żejtun were caught organizing the fights on Sunday at around 0530CET in a quarry in Siġġiewi. The men are to be arraigned in court on Tuesday morning. Police arrived on location after receiving reports of alleged dog fighting in the area, where a number of persons had gathered to watch the confrontations. Police arrested a number of persons present at the scene and seized video camera equipment which was being used to film the showdown. Source:http://www.maltamedia.com/news/2005/ln/article_12324.shtml UPDATES: November 17-2006 Men fined for their involvement in illegal dog fighting -VALLETTA, Malta (di-ve news) -- November 14, 2006 -- 1650CET -- Two men from Valletta and Zejtun were fined in Court after they admitted their involvement in dog fighting in the area known as Tal-Harruba, limits of Siggiewi. 30-year old Johan Pace from Valletta was fined Lm400 after being found guilty that on November 12, 2006 at around 1815CET he caused injuries to an animal. He was also found guilty of organising illegal dog fighting competitions. Meanwhile, 58-year old Guzeppi Muscat from Zejtun was fined Lm100 after admitting to the same accusations as Pace. The Police were informed that illegal dog fights were taking place on Sunday in Siggiewi. Upon arriving on site, about 100 people fled the scene not to be caught by the Police. Inspector Jesmond J Borg led the Prosecution, while Lawyers Joseph Giglio and Joe Brincat appeared for Pace and Muscat respectively. Source:http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=257396&pid=23                                                              November 13, 2006 CLEVELAND -- A call for help after gunshots rang out in a Cleveland neighborhood ended in a dangerous dog roundup, NewsChannel5 reported. Police from the Fourth District responded to shots fired on Sophia Avenue near East 92nd Street and Kinsman Avenue. When police arrived at the home they found a pit bull fighting ring and took nine dogs out of the house with help from the Cleveland dog warden. Police said the person who fired the shots was trying to break up the fighting dogs. A stray bullet hit a neighbor's house. Cleveland City Councilman Kenneth Johnson said the city is working on a tougher vicious dog law. "I think it needs to be addressed. We're working on it and want to ban pit bulls and dangerous dogs," Johnson said. Police are looking for the person who was running the pit bull fighting ring and who fired the shots. Source:http://www.newsnet5.com/news/10305633/detail.html Dog seized in alleged Dog fighting investigation VA                                                                                  Local man may face Dog Fighting Charges, Lansing Mi       November 14-2006 -A Virginia Beach woman’s dog has been seized and she’s under investigation for possible dog fighting. The pit bull, malnourished and scared, with fresh and old wounds, was brought to Animal Control last weekend. Investigators said they found a heavy tow chain, treadmill and scars that are consistent with fighting at Candace Slade’s home. Slade, who didn’t want to talk on camera, is fighting the charge and says she’d never hurt an animal. "They are bogus, absolutely bogus. I have an appointment with an attorney and it will be settled in court next Tuesday," she said from her home. They are bogus, absolutely bogus. I have an appointment with an attorney and it will be settled in court next Tuesday," she said from her home. Slade, who didn’t want to talk on camera, is fighting the charge and says she’d never hurt an animal. "They are bogus, absolutely bogus. I have an appointment with an attorney and it will be settled in court next Tuesday," she said from her home. Slade contends she found the dog 10 days ago and has been nursing it back to health. She said she was going to take it to the vet when the dog was seized. “She looks very thin and did when I retrieved her and yeah I understand completely.” Slade added she has dog food, has been feeding the animal. Animal control officials won’t comment on the case, saying it’s an on-going investigation. Slade said she’s tried to talk with Animal Control about the situation, but she claims no one has returned her calls. "I would love to talk to them and get this resolved. I could have answered some questions before hand," she added. Late last month, two Pit bulls belonging to her brother were seized on suspicion of fighting. He's fighting to get them back and denies any involvement in dog fighting. Slade believes she is being scrutinized because of those allegations. Source:http://www.wvec.com/news/local/stories/wvec_local_111406_dog_seized_vb.39091ec9.html                                                               November 15, 2006-18 pit bulls, 1 dead, were taken from house in Lansing-The discovery of 18 pit bulls at a small house in a quiet north Lansing neighborhood could lead to felony dogfighting charges against a man who recently lived there. Ingham County Animal Control officers responded last week to a house in the 1200 block of West Maple Street after court officials - who were evicting the man - found the dogs. The man had left the house by the time authorities arrived, leaving behind 17 pit bulls in poor condition, some so thin their backbones showed. They also found one dead pit bull puppy.-"We definitely found evidence that dogfighting was occurring in that house," Animal Control Director Jamie McAloon Lampman said of Thursday's search. She would not provide specifics and said authorities don't know where the man is now. She added he may have taken other dogs with him. The former resident, who was not identified because he has yet not been charged with a crime, could face up to four years in prison on felony dogfighting charges if convicted. McAloon Lampman said the case should be turned over to prosecutors by the end of the week. The fate of the 17 dogs has not been determined. The tiny one-story house sits in the middle of a quiet block, down the street from a Baptist church. No one was at the house Tuesday night. Several neighbors, reached by telephone Tuesday, said they never suspected so many dogs were at the house. They said they were surprised last week when several trucks from Animal Control showed up. Illegal in 50 states Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states, but experts say it is prevalent. In Michigan, dogfighting, owning or selling a dog for fighting and being a spectator at a dogfight are all punishable by up to four years in prison. Experts don't know how many people participate in dogfighting, which often is an underground activity. 40,000 involved in U.S. The Humane Society of the United States says about 40,000 people nationwide are involved. But it's difficult to determine an actual number because owners of fighting dogs, trainers and spectators are a close-knit group, experts say. In May, four dead pit bulls and three live dogs were found in a home in Lansing Township. A 29-year-old man was sentenced to 90 days in jail and two years probation on charges relating to dogfighting in that case.Source:http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/NEWS01/611150360/1001/opinion UPDATE: Man to be arraigned in dog-fighting case Trace Christenson The Enquirer A Battle Creek man will be in court next week after his arrest stemming from an investigation of dog fighting. James L. Kellay, 40, was arrested Wednesday by Battle Creek police on an 11-count warrant alleging three counts of possession of fighting dogs, one count of possession of animal-fighting equipment, three counts of animal cruelty and four counts of having unlicensed dogs.If convicted on all counts, Kellay could be sentenced up to four years in prison. Kellay was released Wednesday on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond and his arraignment is scheduled Dec. 5 in Calhoun County District Court, according to court records. Reached by telephone Monday, Kellay's wife said her husband was not available and she had no comment on the case. The charges were sought after police said they found 19 pit bull dogs without food or much water at Kellay's home on P Drive North in Bedford Township. A hunter called police after seeing the animals chained and living in barrels behind the residence. Police said they found evidence that the dogs had been used for fighting, including scars on some of the dogs. Police alleged that equipment seized, including a treadmill, weights, medication and steroids, were used to train the dogs for fighting. The pit bulls are being held at the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. The City of Battle Creek is seeking forfeiture of the animals and said they will be destroyed because they are trained to fight and can't be adopted. A hearing date on the forfeiture has not been set. Trace Christenson covers crime and courts. He can be reached at 966-0685 or tchrist@battlecr.gannett.com.               Massive Cock fighting operation Busted    TX                                                          Dog Fighter gets 11 year sentence, Alabama  Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Authorities in Caldwell County stumbled on a cockfighting operation this week, the likes of which they say they've never seen. -Some 400 to 500 roosters were found at the "Dog Catcher Ranch," between Lockhart and Luling in Caldwell County. Authorities were serving an arrest warrant in a 3-year narcotics investigation when they found the birds. Members of the SPCA from Houston spent Wednesday morning rounding up the birds. Investigators say many of the roosters had been chemically altered to make them more aggressive. Authorities also say there was an arena on the property where cockfighting events took place. Roughly 30 to 60 people may have attended the Sunday fights. Investigators say most of the animals will probably have to be put down because they've been altered. The investigation began when detectives were tipped off that drugs were moving into the property. They say they suspected cockfighting was happening on the property, but they had not idea the extent and magnitude of the operation Never this large... I have seen a couple in this county.... This is a large, verymeticulous operation. If you look at some of the nestings and eggs, they were numbered and kept abreast on their breeding techniques so they could get a better, finer-tuned fighting bird," said Sheriff Daniel Law, Caldwell County. The property owner, Noe Perez, 37, faces a multitude of charges, including drug possession and animal cruelty. Several other people were also arrested. Source:http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/111506kvuecockfighting-cb.3d4ba8ed.html                                    A man who pleaded guilty to dog fights and drug charges will now spend 11 years in prison. Timothy McCleod was arrested in August 2005 on 14 counts of dog fighting and possession of a controlled substance. McCleod pleaded guilty to charges of training and fighting dogs in his backyard. He was denied probation and is now facing 11-years in prison. The 11 years is one year for each of the nine dogs that were put down, one year for possession of a controlled substance, and one year for possession of marijuana.Source:http://www.wtvynews4.com/news/headlines/4670741.html SECOND STORY: Dog fighter gets 11 years in sentences OZARK, Ala. An Ozark man who admitted running a dogfighting operation has been sentenced to eleven years in prison. Circuit Judge Ben McLaughlin imposed the sentence today on Timothy McLeod. McLeod got one year each for nine dogs that died and one year each for two drug charges. McLeod pleaded guilty to all the charges in September. Officers went to his home in August on a drug investigation and then found the dogs and what appeared to be a fighting arena in his back yard.Source:http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5694544&nav=8fap  Authorities  bust suspected Dog Fighting Ring GA                                                                                     Cruelty charges sought after police seize 19 dogs TN               November 12-2006 Oglethorpe County authorities have arrested two more men in connection with a Nov 12 morning raid on a dog fight near Lexington. Marcel Dangelo Lunceford, 27, of Philomath turned himself in to the Oglethorpe County Jail on Nov 16 on charges of dog fighting and being a party to the crime of dog fighting, said Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith. Woodrow Monday III, 36, of Eatonton turned himself in at the jail on Nov 17 after Oglethorpe authorities notified him he was wanted earlier this week. Monday is charged with being a party to the crime of dog fighting. Both remained in the Oglethorpe County jail Friday afternoon in lieu of $5,000 bond, Smith said. Two other men were arrested: Daniel Wayne McElhannon of Oglethorpe County and Odis Bernard Speights of Milledgeville. Arrest warrants for two other suspects haven't yet been served. McElhannon, 32, was arrested shortly after 9 a.m. Nov 12 when deputies went to his 251 Wesley Chapel Road house near Lexington after a tipster called 911 at about 9:15 a.m. to report that a group of men were fighting pit bull dogs at the house, according to an Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Department report. A group of about a dozen men fled on foot as Oglethorpe County Chief Deputy Fletcher Mattox and Sgt. Randy McElhannon (no relation to Daniel Wayne McElhannon) approached the house, set far back from the road. The men left behind about 15 trucks and cars parked around the house, according to the report. Several of the trucks carried cages with pit bulls in them, Smith said. Two dogs had been fighting. Both were so badly injured they had to be euthanized, Smith said. McElhannon, 32, was released after posting a $5,000 bond on charges of felony cruelty to animals, dog fighting and keeping a disorderly house. McElhannon could face additional charges from the state Department of Natural Resources. Deputies found an alligator about 2 feet long inside McEllhannon's house, but the man did not have the a permit from the state to possess the animal, Smith said. The little gator was turned over to the DNR, Smith said. Deputies picked up Speights, 43, shortly after arresting Daniel Wayne McElhannon on Sunday. Deputies stopped to talk to Speights as he walked along nearby Elberton Road, about a mile from the Wesley Chapel Road house, Smith said. Speights told deputies someone had stolen his truck when he stopped to relieve himself at the intersection of Wesley Chapel and Elberton roads. Speights' truck was one of those left behind at the Wesley Chapel Road house when the men fled from the oncoming deputies, however. Speights, who said he worked at Rivers State Prison in Hardwick, also posted $5,000 bond after he was charged with making a false report of a crime as well as dog fighting. Speights has been suspended for 15 days with pay pending further disciplinary action, said Malie McCord, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections. Smith said he had heard rumors of dog fighting in the county two years ago as he campaigned to be elected sheriff, but until Sunday did not have enough solid information to make an arrest. Smith said this was the first dog-fighting bust he recalls in 27 years of working in law enforcement in Oglethorpe County. Source:http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/10125/                                                               Warrants for animal cruelty and possession of dog-fighting equipment are being sought for a Battle Creek man after a police raid Wednesday. Nineteen pit bulls were seized from the man's Bedford Township home and police said some of the dogs were scarred, possibly evidence of fighting.Ronda Burgess, an animal control officer for the city of Battle Creek, said police went to the home after an anonymous hunter reported seeing dogs chained and living in barrels. "He was hunting with his buddy and didn't like what he saw," Burgess said. Officers would not identify the 40-year-old owner and only said the residence is on P Drive North. He was taken into custody on an unrelated Friend of the Court warrant. Calhoun County Prosecutor John Hallacy said Thursday his office is working with the police department, which included obtaining search warrants. He said he couldn't discuss the case further. Animal Control officers went to the home with a search warrant Wednesday afternoon and seized the dogs and several items used to train dogs for fighting, including a treadmill, bite sticks, weights and several kinds of medication, possibly including steroids. Burgess said most of the dogs appeared malnourished, and officers did not find food; they found only some rain water for the animals. "On a scale of one to 10, with one being the worst, most of the dogs were about a three," Burgess said of the health of the animals. One of the dogs was unable to walk. All the dogs were taken to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter in Battle Creek, where they are being held and where on Thursday each was checked by Dr. Jeff LaHuis of the Dickman Road Veterinary Clinic, who determined an estimated age, checked weight and noted any injuries. Most of the adult dogs were between 2 and 4 years old, LaHuis said, and four puppies were about 4 months old. Officers said they believe one of the dogs seized was the mother of most of the rest. Sgt. Edwina Keyser said the department will seek through the courts the immediate forfeiture of the animals because the owner refused to surrender ownership. "This large of a seizure of animals doesn't happen too often," Keyser said. "The dogs have been impounded, and we will move for forfeiture immediately even as charges are sought against the owner." Once the dogs are forfeited, they will be euthanized, Burgess said, because they are aggressive toward other animals and can't be adopted. Meanwhile, the city is paying about $200 per day for housing. Burgess said the cruelty charges carry a maximum penalty of four years in prison.Source:http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061117/NEWS01/611170312    Police Investigate Dog Fighting Complaint OH                                                                                        Homes Raided In Suspected Dog Fighting Ring  OH      Thursday, November 23, 2006 Police investigate dogfight complaint Pit bulls, blood found at residence Authorities are investigating whether a West Toledo duplex is being used for dogfighting. Robert Bethany, the owner of the residence at 1518 Jermain Drive, reported to police Tuesday afternoon that he was informed that dogfighting was taking place at the structure. The lower level of the duplex was vacant, but Cordell Culp, 20, who is a cousin of Mr. Bethany, recently rented the upper unit. However, Mr Culp's lease expired and he shouldn't have remained there, Mr. Bethany told police. When authorities arrived about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, they found broken windows and damaged door locks and the walls and carpet were covered in blood, according to a Toledo police report. An injured pit bull was found inside the home, another pit bull and a puppy pit bull were found in an unattached garage, and a boxer-mix dog was in a pen in the backyard, the report stated. The Lucas County Dog Warden was called and the dogs, of which all but the puppy showed signs of fighting, were seized. A treadmill used to train dogs to fight also was in the home, along with other evidence that illegal dogfighting took place there, Dog Warden Tom Skeldon said. A four-inch chain, blue leash, and photos taken of the scene also were placed into evidence, according to the police report. A marijuana plant was found growing in the home on Jermain and Mr. Culp was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana in an arrest warrant filed in Toledo Municipal Court. He was not in the Lucas County jail last night. Authorities continue to investigate the dogfighting complaint.Source:http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061123/NEWS03/611230430                                                               Nov 22 2006 5:34PM-Police and Animal Control officers raided two north Columbus homes, rounding up pit bulls and making arrests connected to a suspected dog fighting ring. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office took two suspects into custody after SWAT teams made their surprise entry. More than 30 pit bulls were rescued by Animal Control after residents tipped authorities about cases of potential animal cruelty. After a month-long investigation, authorities rescued at least 10 adult pit bulls and a dozen puppies. Some residents had apparently complained about the noise and stench. Wednesday, the Animal Enforcement Division seized evidence that suggests a house on Bancroft Street was used as a breeding ground to raise pit bulls for illegal dog fights. Chief Steve Martin says, "Most of these dogs were kept in cages. They have all the normal paraphernalia that dog fighting people have: the bite sticks, the antibiotics, the treadmills that they train the dogs on." The Capital Area Humane Society will help with the veterinary care for the pit bulls rescued Wednesday. Authorities say Ohio has a thriving underground built around illegal dogfights, which attracts bettors from as far away as Michigan and Virginia. Source:http://www.10tv.com/?sec=news&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200611/338075177.html                                                                                                                                                 8 Dogs seized ,Manning South Carolina                                                                    13 dogs seized Jackson, Mississippi  November 26-2006 Eight dogs seized in the dogfight earlier this week have been turned over to the homeowners who hosted the fight, Clarendon County authorities said. The sheriff's office couldn't afford to pay for the animals' room and board and made the homeowners responsible for the dogs, officials said.Orlando Raynelle Coullette, 29, and Jennifer Elisabeth Lyles, 22, live at the house where seven people were arrested on Nov 26. Lyles was arrested on the afternoon of Nov 28 and was released that evening on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. Authorities are still searching for Coullette. Lyles will be responsible for the dogs until the court date.Sheriff Keith Josey said his department did not have a choice."The bottom line is we don't have that kind of money," Josey said. "It could be two, three, six months before this case could come before the court. We can't afford it." It would cost Clarendon County $9.50 per dog per day to house the animals in Columbia, Lt. Tommy Burgess said. The Clarendon County Sheriff's Office had a local veterinarian treat the dogs before returning them. UPDATE: Clarendon County deputies faced a problem after breaking up a pit bull fighting ring last weekend: they couldn't find any local shelters willing to take the dogs. Sunday night, deputies got a tip about a dogfight taking place outside a trailer home at 1638 Jackson Road. When they arrived on scene, they found a few dozens people, eight mistreated fighting dogs, and a $4,000 bet. Lieutenant Tommy Burgess says seven people were arrested that night, and several vehicles were seized as evidence. Deputies say they tried to contact local shelters to take in the animals, but were unsuccessful. Some shelters were too expensive for the Sheriffs Department to afford, and other shelters flat-out refused to take the dangerous pit bulls. Burgess says the eight dogs involved in the fighting?some with lacerations on their head from maulings?had to be left behind. Manning resident Marc Brewer lives just around the corner from where the fighting had taken place. He says the news of the dog-fighting ring surprised him, as did the fact that deputies left the dogs. ?I think it's terrible because what are you going to do if you're just going to turn them back over [to the suspects? custody]? It seems pointless to even pursue it in the first place,? Brewer said. The Attorney General?s office is now prosecuting the case. When Attorney General Henry McMaster heard deputies had done all they could, his task force stepped in to help. ?The dogs are bred and trained to fight and if put out with other dogs, they will fight, so you can't take them to the pound,? McMaster said. Through the Attorney General?s office and the SLED Task Force on Dog Fighting, authorities contacted shelters capable of handling the fighting dogs. The dogs were taken Tuesday night to the Florence County Animal Control and the Humane Society. ?This is a brutal, vicious, horrible thing that we need to get rid of,? McMaster said of the dog fighting. Clarendon County deputies say one of the Jackson Road organizers is still at large. 29-year-old Orlando Coullette is wanted for eight counts of dog fighting and one count of cruelty to animals. A second suspected organizer, 22-year-old Jennifer Lyles, turned herself into authorities on Tuesday. Anyone with information on Coullette?s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-559 TIPS. SOURCE:http://www.wltx.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=44668 UPDATE December5-2006 (FLORENCE) - Eight dogs seized in a suspected dogfighting operation have been moved to Florence County to protect them from being stolen. The pit bulls were seized in Clarendon County last week when seven people were arrested in a suspected dogfighting operation. Originally, the dogs were returned to the homeowners where the fight was being held because of the cost of boarding them at a shelter. Clarendon County sheriff's Lieutenant Tommy Burgess says that cost was about $2,200 a month. Florence County's environmental services supervisor says the county is keeping the dogs as a favor to Clarendon. Source:http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=44730                                    Nov 27, 2006-Authorities in Jackson County say they've broken up an apparent dog fighting ring in St. Martin. Sheriff's Deputies say the fighting was wrapping up when they arrived on the scene at Sheffield Road in St Martin. They say when they searched the property, they found 13 pit bulls bound by chains. The alleged ring leader, Jessie Richard Williams, now faces felony charges. "This wasn't your typical dog fighting case. Most of the time they're not that injured," Lieutenant Ken McClenic with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department said. When Lt. McClenic pulled up to the home on Nov 27, he couldn't believe what he saw. "To actually see a dog that can't stand up on his own and to see another dog with blood dripping from his face. It was a pretty traumatic situation," Lt. McClenic says. Police arrested Jessie Richard Williams, 29, on a felony charge for dog fighting, and misdemeanor for animal cruelty. He's also charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. "He said he's had this type of encounter with law enforcement before with reference to the dogs, so I don't know if he moved into this area just to fight the dogs," Lt. McClenic says. Lt. McClenic says dog fighters often use heavy shackles to attach to dog's collars. But that's not the only form of animal cruelty that police say was going on at William's home. "They get them down to a starving condition because it makes them more aggressive, it makes them want to fight," Lt. McClenic says. One dog has already been operated on by vets at Bienville Animal Clinic. Dr. Michael Dill says considering the circumstances, the dog is recovering. "After being on the IV fluids and having his wounds cleaned up and some drains put in, he's 100 percent better than he was yesterday," Bienville Animal Clinic veterinarian Dr. Dill says. The 12 other dogs are being kept at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Their faces tell the story of the fights they've already endured in their short lives. "Most dogs want to do things with us and for us. When we capitalize on more of their basic instincts to fight and to do things, I mean, it's sad," Dr. Dill says. Williams was released Tuesday on a total bond of $2,500. Lt. McClenic says Williams will appear in court on January 8th for his misdemeanor charges, and the felony case will be sent to a grand jury. Case Update:November 29-2006-The pit bull dogs are being held at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. When you look into the eyes of one of the pit bulls, you can see evidence of the fights and the abuse the dogs have endured. "Some of them still had open wounds. A lot of them had old wounds that were healed. Some of them were oozing from infection. All of them were in deplorable living conditions," said Barbara McKenzie of the Gulf Coast Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "You could see their ribs. You could see their hip bones poking out," said Lt. Ken McClenic, of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. Lt. McClenic says 29-year-old Jessie Richard Williams ran the dog fighting ring. He is facing felony dog fighting charges, plus misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty and marijuana possession. But this may not be his first brush with the law. "He was already asking, 'Do I need to contact my attorney to get my dogs back? I've been through this before,'" said Lt. McClenic. "Basically, what this man did was raise all these dogs up to be killed," said McKenzie. Authorities say, even though many escaped death from being in the dog fighting ring, most of them will have to be euthanized because they're not safe to have as pets. "There's worse thing than being dead. The way they were living is worse than being dead," said McKenzie. Mississippi state law only allows a misdemeanor charge for animal cruelty. In Alabama, the charge can be considered a felony. Case Update: November 30-2006 Sheriff's deputies Wednesday rearrested Jessie Richard Williams, 29, who had made bond the day before on animal cruelty, dogfighting and possession of marijuana charges. He was being held Wednesday night in the Jackson County jail for the U.S. Marshal Service in Gulfport. Williams is wanted on cocaine-possession charges by marshals in Arlington, Va. Williams was first arrested by Jackson County sheriff's investigators Monday, when they were told pit bulls were being fought behind a house on Sheffield Road, near the sheriff's substation on North Washington Avenue. Williams gave investigators permission to search the property, and officers found and confiscated 13 pit bulls chained in the dirt yard. Three, suffering from injuries that included open wounds, puncture wounds and bite infections, have since received veterinary care. All but one is at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Though sheriff's investigators said there have been several inquiries about the dogs, the judicial system will determine if they will be released for adoption. Barbara McKenzie, with the Gulf Coast SPCA, who helped transport the dogs to the shelter on Monday, said there are four pit bull puppies among them. Two are about eight weeks old and two are 12 to 16 weeks in age. She said in her opinion, only the puppies would be possible candidates for adoption. She said the adult dogs were trained to fight and were very aggressive toward other animals. McKenzie took two of them to a Biloxi veterinarian Wednesday with puncture wounds and bite infections. She said one of them, which had been almost under sedation, got up and charged the door of the clinic room when a dog walked by on a lead. "All of them were very people-friendly," she said, "but very animal-aggressive." She said it is not recommended that adult pit bulls that have been fought be adopted out. "Once a dog has fought, anything could trigger its aggression," she said. And Jackson County's shelter's policy is not to adopt out pit bulls, she said. In the meantime, they are evidence in a case against Williams, but sheriff's Investigator Ken McClenic said state law provides options for euthanizing animals in such cases if professionals testify they can't be rehabilitated. McKenzie said, "There are worse things than death, and the way those dogs were living was worse." Source:http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/local/16128077.htm?source=rss&channel=sunherald_local Source:http://www.nbc15online.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=a4ec086f-b642-4e51-a07a-e44b514441fa&rss=217                                                                                                                        Orange County Deputies Bust Dog Fighting Ring FL                                                                             2nd Suspected Dog-Fighting Ring Busted In Apopka December 10-2006 Orange County Deputies Bust Dog Fighting Ring-APOPKA, Fla. -- Animal Control Agents took more than 30 dogs from an Orange County home, Sunday night. Detectives said a tip led them to the dog fighting ring on Highland Avenue in Apopka. Orange County deputies say it was a disturbing scene. Dozens of dogs were found injured and chained up in the backyard. They also found several dog bones, including a skull, jaw, and several teeth. The blood stained fighting pin was found just 75 yards away from the house. A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told Channel Nine that her neighbors did not make the dogs fight. “If dogs are together they might scrap a little bit. But they love the dogs,” said the neighbor. Detectives believe the dogs were burned, once they were done fighting. No arrests have been made and charges are pending. Source: http://www.wftv.com/news/10505826/detail.html                                                               December 11-2006-Second Suspected Dog-Fighting Ring Busted In Apopka- APOPKA, Fla. -- For the second time in two days, Orange County deputies rescued numerous dogs from a suspected dog-fighting ring. Deputies found 23 dogs at a home in Apopka on Monday afternoon. Sunday night, 31 dogs were seized from another suspected dog-fighting ring in Apopka. Several people took off when cops showed up Sunday night. No one has been charged, but the sheriff's office said it's only a matter of time. The animals brought into Animal Services were in pretty good shape. Some of them have old scars and some of them are just a few months old. The sheriff's office said the latest round up is directly connected to Sunday's dog seizure. The dogs at Animal Services came from a home on 18th Street in Apopka. Orange County deputies took nearly two dozen pit bulls and pit bull mixes from the home Monday. They got their lead from a vehicle left behind in another pit bull seizure, Sunday. That's when deputies broke up what they believe to be a dog-fighting ring, although neighbors disagree. Some of the removed dogs were a little on the thin side, but the vet looking after them said he didn't see any fresh wounds on the dogs, that ranged in age from puppies to adults. But deputies said they did find something on the 18th Street property consistent with an animal fighting ring. So far, no one's been charges in connection to either Sunday's or Monday's dog seizures and the question remains, what happens to all the dogs? "What we're looking at doing is getting custody of the animals, either for the owners to surrender the animals to us or for us to petition the court so we can have the animals here and figure out if we can adopt them out or what we are going to be able to do with the animals," explained Vanessa Bouffard, Orange County Animal Services. As you might imagine, adding 54 dogs to the mix puts a strain on resources. Animal Services is housing each of the confiscated pit bulls alone. That means the animals eligible for adoption are being double and tripled up, so Animal Services would like to clear ownership of the dogs as soon as possible.Source:http://www.wftv.com/news/10512105/detail.html Orange County Deputies Bust Dog Fighting Ring FL                                                                             2nd Suspected Dog-Fighting Ring Busted In Apopka December 10-2006 Orange County Deputies Bust Dog Fighting Ring-APOPKA, Fla. -- Animal Control Agents took more than 30 dogs from an Orange County home, Sunday night. Detectives said a tip led them to the dog fighting ring on Highland Avenue in Apopka. Orange County deputies say it was a disturbing scene. Dozens of dogs were found injured and chained up in the backyard. They also found several dog bones, including a skull, jaw, and several teeth. The blood stained fighting pin was found just 75 yards away from the house. A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told Channel Nine that her neighbors did not make the dogs fight. “If dogs are together they might scrap a little bit. But they love the dogs,” said the neighbor. Detectives believe the dogs were burned, once they were done fighting. No arrests have been made and charges are pending. Source: http://www.wftv.com/news/10505826/detail.html                                                               December 11-2006-Second Suspected Dog-Fighting Ring Busted In Apopka- APOPKA, Fla. -- For the second time in two days, Orange County deputies rescued numerous dogs from a suspected dog-fighting ring. Deputies found 23 dogs at a home in Apopka on Monday afternoon. Sunday night, 31 dogs were seized from another suspected dog-fighting ring in Apopka. Several people took off when cops showed up Sunday night. No one has been charged, but the sheriff's office said it's only a matter of time. The animals brought into Animal Services were in pretty good shape. Some of them have old scars and some of them are just a few months old. The sheriff's office said the latest round up is directly connected to Sunday's dog seizure. The dogs at Animal Services came from a home on 18th Street in Apopka. Orange County deputies took nearly two dozen pit bulls and pit bull mixes from the home Monday. They got their lead from a vehicle left behind in another pit bull seizure, Sunday. That's when deputies broke up what they believe to be a dog-fighting ring, although neighbors disagree. Some of the removed dogs were a little on the thin side, but the vet looking after them said he didn't see any fresh wounds on the dogs, that ranged in age from puppies to adults. But deputies said they did find something on the 18th Street property consistent with an animal fighting ring. So far, no one's been charges in connection to either Sunday's or Monday's dog seizures and the question remains, what happens to all the dogs? "What we're looking at doing is getting custody of the animals, either for the owners to surrender the animals to us or for us to petition the court so we can have the animals here and figure out if we can adopt them out or what we are going to be able to do with the animals," explained Vanessa Bouffard, Orange County Animal Services. As you might imagine, adding 54 dogs to the mix puts a strain on resources. Animal Services is housing each of the confiscated pit bulls alone. That means the animals eligible for adoption are being double and tripled up, so Animal Services would like to clear ownership of the dogs as soon as possible.Source:http://www.wftv.com/news/10512105/detail.html  9 Dogs removed from home part of fighting ring Ohio                                              Bones lead to bloody Dog Fighting Ring FL. December 13-2006-9 Pit Bulls Removed From Home Part Of Fighting Ring Councilman Wants Tougher Vicious Dog Law-CLEVELAND -- A call for help after gunshots rang out in a Cleveland neighborhood ended in a dangerous dog roundup, NewsChannel5 reported. Police from the Fourth District responded to shots fired on Sophia Avenue near East 92nd Street and Kinsman Avenue. When police arrived at the home they found a pit bull fighting ring and took nine dogs out of the house with help from the Cleveland dog warden. Police said the person who fired the shots was trying to break up the fighting dogs. A stray bullet hit a neighbor's house. Cleveland City Councilman Kenneth Johnson said the city is working on a tougher vicious dog law. "I think it needs to be addressed. We're working on it and want to ban pit bulls and dangerous dogs," Johnson said. Police are looking for the person who was running the pit bull fighting ring and who fired the shots. Source:http://www.newsnet5.com/news/10305633/detail.html                                                              December 11-2006 - Trail Of Dog Bones In Woods Leads To Bloody Fighting Ring-A trail of dog bones near an Orange County, Fla., home led officers to a bloody ring where the animals apparently fought to the death, according to a Local 6 News report. Authorities received a tip over the weekend of an apparent dog fight ring at a home in Apopka, Fla., and found 31 pit bulls chained or locked in kennels at the home. A trail into some nearby woods was littered with the skulls, jaws and spines of dogs, the report said.Officers then discovered a 25-foot wooden enclosure stained red with blood. "(It was) proof that these dogs fought to the death," Local 6's Jessica Sanchez said. "Some of the blood was still fresh, showing deputies that their bust actually interrupted a dog fight in progress. It sent the bad guys scattering throughout the woods." "There's a bunch of different trails back in the woods and there were fresh footprints leading down those trails where they left, abandoning their cars or animals here," Orange County sheriff's Sgt. Richard Hosier said. Eight vehicles were towed from the area, including some that had dogs in the backseats, Local 6 News reported. Those involved in the apparent dog fight ring could face charges of animal cruelty. "The investigation is still on-going," Sanchez said. "As of right now, there have been no arrest made and no charges filed but deputies said that will change in the coming weeks." Anyone with information concerning this investigation is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. Watch Local 6 News for more on this story. Source: http://www.local6.com/news/10505869/detail.html?rss=orlpn&psp=news                                                                                                                                                    Volusia man charged with animal fighting                                                                                    Deltona officers find pit bulls chained, scarred December 19-2006 We recently had a couple of articles about a dog-fighting ring busted in Apopka. Today, Volusia sheriff's investigators said they have arrested a man from Deltona and charged with his animal fighting. Below is the news release: Volusia County Sheriff’s investigators have charged a 25-year-old Deltona man with animal fighting after several injured pit bulls along with gear for training dogs to fight were seized from the man’s home. One day after an arrest warrant was issued for Phillip Hunt, Jr., the defendant turned himself in at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Seminole County. Hunt remains free on $2,000 bond. Animal fighting is a 3rd-degree felony. Code enforcement officers with the city of Deltona initiated the investigation after receiving information about possible dog fighting activity that was believed to be taking place at Hunt’s home at 910 Saxon Blvd. The information was strong enough for code enforcement officers to obtain a search warrant for Hunt’s home. The search was conducted on Dec. 19 with the assistance of several Sheriff’s investigators. During the search, officers seized six adult pit bulls and two puppies, most of which were suffering from various injuries. Officers found one pit bull on a treadmill. The dog appeared to be malnourished and had facial scars. Another dog could barely walk and had numerous scars that appeared to be old and healed. Officers also seized items from the home that are commonly used to train dogs to fight, such as the treadmill and a weight belt that help dogs increase their strength and stamina. The officers also seized medication and syringes used to treat the injuries and a newsletter containing information regarding dog-fighting events. Based on the evidence seized during the search, Sheriff’s investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Hunt on Thursday. Hunt turned himself in on Friday and posted bond the same day. The animals were taken to the Halifax Humane Society. Source:http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_orlandocrime/2006/12/volusia_man_cha.html                                                              December 27, 2006-Deltona officers find pit bulls chained, scarred- Phillip Hunt Jr. is out on $2,000 bond, charged with animal fighting, a 3rd-degree felony.-The pit bulls were still training for their next fight when code-enforcement officers came to check on them at their owner's home in Deltona, officials said Tuesday. One of the dogs was working out on a treadmill when investigators arrived last week, its scarred, malnourished body chained to the machine. Another scarred dog was so wounded it could barely walk. And the ones that could walk, officials said, strutted around with weight belts strapped to their bodies with duct tape.-There were eight of them in all, six adults and two pit-bull puppies. All were seized by code-enforcement officers last week after investigators got word that someone at 910 Saxon Blvd. was training the dogs to fight. On Friday, Phillip Hunt Jr., 25, turned himself in at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Seminole County on charges of animal fighting, a third-degree felony. Officials seized the dogs Dec. 19 after finding them and discovering other evidence that would suggest that someone was preparing the dogs for battle, including medicine and syringes to treat their injuries and a newsletter that spelled out information about dog-fighting events. There was even a weight scale in the backyard of the home, said Gary Davidson, a spokesman for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, which investigated the home with code-enforcement officials. The scale, Davidson said, was used to weigh-in the animals and also to increase their jaw strength as they clamped down on the hanging scale while getting weighed. An arrest warrant was issued for Hunt on Thursday. The next day he turned himself in and later posted $2,000 bond, officials said. The pit bulls were taken to the Halifax Humane Society, officials said.-Source:http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-vdogs2706dec27,0,5893839.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia UPDATE:Pitt Bull Trained on Treadmill for Dog Fights Wednesday, December 27, 2006 10:50:54 AM -A Deltona man is out on bond after he turned himself in on animal fighting charges. Last week, Deltona Code Enforcement Officers found the eight dogs training for their next fight. In fact, investigators say one of the dogs was working out on a treadmill, scarred and malnourished. Besides the dogs, investigators also found a newsletter spelling out the dog fighting events. Phillip Hunt, Jr. turned himself in to the Seminole County Jail on the felony charges. He's now out of on a $2,000 bond.Source:http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2006/12/27/pitt_bull_abuse.html  36 dogs seized in  bust , North Carolina                                                                  Injured pit bulls seized by the SPCA  TX               Jan. 18, 2007 8:19 AM -Spotted from hot-air balloon-In what authorities are calling one of the biggest dog fighting busts in recent history, Union County authorities have seized 36 pit bulls from an Indian Trail home. Deputies were tipped off to the home when a couple riding in a hot-air balloon spotted the dogs and called police. Authorities confiscated the dogs Thursday, along with a treadmill, laxatives and scales -- tools that dog fighters often use to help ensure the dogs fit a certain weight category, akin to boxing, said Lt. Michelle Starnes with the Sheriff's Office. Deputies also found an empty room they say was covered in feces. Stanley Max Plowman Jr., 26, who owns the dogs, told the Observer he didn't train dogs for fights. Authorities are still investigating and he has not been charged. It's Union County's biggest bust, said Sheriff Eddie Cathey. Deputies are investigating similar cases elsewhere, he said, and the illegal sport is growing nationwide. "It's a more profitable thing now than it ever has been," he said. Deputies seized 29 dogs, seven puppies, a gun and a computer from Plowman's home. They also took a DVD Plowman said he bought at the Sweet Union Flea Market titled "Off the Chain," which is described on its Web site as a movie about the underground world of dog fighting. Deputies also took several training tapes, Cathey said. None of the videos or pictures seized involve Plowman's dogs so far, Starnes said, adding that deputies hadn't finished viewing the evidence. Plowman said he boards, breeds and sells pit bulls, and conditions them only for dog shows, not fights. "I buy dogs from people with the scars already on them so they won't get fought again," Plowman said. But Starnes said she believes the "pulling competition" awards deputies seized from his house were won for fighting. Most of Plowman's dogs were gentle and had old injuries, Starnes said. One dog was emaciated and another had a torn ear. That dog, Plowman said, was attacked last year by another of his dogs, who died in the fight. "I didn't have the money to take him to the vet," Plowman told the Observer. "I healed him up as best as I could." The 36 dogs seized in the Union County case will likely be euthanized, Starnes said, because they were bred for fighting. Nationwide, the number of dogs seized at one time for dog fighting ranges from a dozen to 285, which were rounded up in Houston last year, according to news reports. An estimated 50,000 dog fighters exist nationwide, with roughly 1,000 in North Carolina, said Bob Reder, N.C. program manager for the Humane Society of the United States. Dog fighters fit into three categories: street, hobbyist and professional, he said. Not a lot of money or planning exists at the street level, with spontaneous fights taking place in alleys or behind buildings. Professionals, though, will fly their dogs across the U.S. for competitions, with as much as $150,000 exchanging hands after fights, Reder said. At least three big-time professionals breed and fight dogs in North Carolina, he said. The Internet also has fueled the popularity of dog fights because anyone, anywhere, can place bets, said Ernie Wilkinson, chairman of the N.C. Task Force on Animal Fighting. "It's a very under-the-table type crime," Wilkinson said.Source:http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/16516167.htm                                                               February 2, 2007-Dozens of injured pit bulls seized by the SPCA-The SPCA seized 40 to 45 pit bulls from a home in northwest Harris County on Thursday night-The dogs were at a house in the 6400 block of Chippewa-According to SPCA officials, the seizure of the dogs was the culmination of a two-week investigation. "They look like they've been possibly used in fighting," SPCA spokeswoman Heidi Brasher said. "There's some indication based on the way the animals look as well as some of the paraphernalia we found on-site." She said most of the animals were underweight and had old scars from fighting. "Some of them have some puncture wounds," Brasher said. "The chains that they were on were all too short. "It was pretty tough conditions for these animals," she said. The property owner was present during the pickup, even helping officials load some of the more aggressive animals. Source:http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou070202_ac_dogsseized.42fee5d0.html  Investigation: Murder, Drugs, Pit Bull Fights Portland Or                                             Dog fighting ring busted N.C   February 10-2007 PORTLAND - A murder, drugs and pit bull fighting -- Portland police are still trying to piece together links between the three. James Kenneth Miller (pictured) was shot in the chest Feb. 10 at a home in St. Johns. A few hours later, police arrested the homeowner, Leon James Scott, for murder. Police say they removed marijuana plants and six pit bulls during a search of Scott's home. Investigators are now asking anyone who knew the men to come forward with possible clues. "We're not releasing any specific information on motive. We're just at this point trying to find any other witnesses who knew the suspect or the victim or who can give us any other information about either drug trafficking or dog fighting with the suspect," Lt. Brian Schmautz told KOIN News 6. Scott has been indicted on murder, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and dog-fighting charges. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Barry Renna at (503) 823-0255 or Detective Molly Daul at (503) 823-0255. Source: http://www.koin.com/Global/story.asp?S=6126612                                                               Tuesday, 06 Mar 2007-Pit Bull Fighting Ring Broken Up -CASWELL COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) -- A group of Piedmont investigators said they have stopped one of the largest dog-fighting rings in North Carolina history. So far, at least nine arrests have been made, including: Daniel Canty, 32, Greensboro Roderick Johnson, 38, Greensboro Jeff Johnson, 31, Greensboro Marcus Williamson, 28, Greensboro James Lipscomb, 20, Yanceyville Jonathan Lipscomb, 18, Yanceyville Dwayne Shaw, 33, Yanceyville James Graves II, 30, Reidsville Anthony Williamson, 38, Danville, Va. All are charged with felony dog fighting and all but Williamson face resisting arrest charges. Caswell County Sheriff Michael Welch said a tip “led us to an actual dog fight in progress.” Seven dogs were recently seized by the sheriff’s department. Dr. Lauren Bartsfield, a forensic veterinarian, said once the investigation is complete, all of the dogs will be euthanized. One dog has already been put down because he was so badly injured. Source:http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=2590326&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 64 dogs seized 7 kennels raided Dayton OH                                                            Fighting ring discovered in Gentilly New Orleans     64 dogs seized in simultaneous raids on 7 kennels, warehouse-MARCH 25-2007-DAYTON — A year-long investigation by 22 law enforcement agencies culminated Saturday night with simultaneous raids on seven kennels and a warehouse where dogfights were about to be staged. The Humane Society of the United States, along with a combined federal, state and local law enforcement team, raided kennels in Dayton, Trotwood and Cincinnati suspected of breeding and selling fighting dogs.Sixty-four dogs were seized in the raids and two dozen suspects were arrested. Drugs guns and money also were seized. The dogs will be euthanized because they were bred to fight, even if they appear friendly, said John Goodwin, deputy manager of animal fighting issues for the Humane Society of the United States. "It's heartbreaking. You have a female pit bull and she's wagging her tail and licking your hand, but she's missing part of her lower jaw because it's been torn off in a fight," Goodwin said. "This is a brutal and very cruel activity." Agents descended on a warehouse in an industrial section of Dayton where dogs were stored in crates as the fighting was about to begin. While this was occurring, officers swept into the kennels in neighboring cities. The kennels were secured by police and the animals were seized, then moved to temporary housing by Humane Society officials. "Dog fighting is a barbaric and despicable act, and this organized network of animal fighters in southern Ohio was dealt a severe blow by this raid," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. A mix of federal and state charges are expected to be announced Tuesday, said Goodwin and Fred Alverson, spokesman for the United States Attorney's Office in Columbus. The coordinated raids were led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Dog fighting is felony in Ohio, but the federal law for interstate dog fighting activities is only a misdemeanor – a law which Congress could strengthen as soon as this week. Source:http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/25/ddn032507dogringweb.html MARCH 26 update:Six appear in court after dog-fighting raids/DAYTON — Six people were in federal court Monday morning to face charges stemming from dog-fighting raids that occurred over the weekend, according to Fred Alverson, law enforcement coordinator for U.S. Southern District Attorney's Office. On Saturday, several kennels suspected of breeding and selling fighting dogs were raided in Dayton, Trotwood and Cincinnati, according to Humane Society of the United States and the U.S. Southern District Attorney's office/The bust was the result of a year-long investigation in cooperation with the federal humane society, a combined federal, state and local law enforcement team. Authorities weren't releasing many details Monday, but did release the names of six men believed to be involved in the dog-fighting network. Those men include: • Larontay G. Bennett of England Avenue in Dayton faces conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of cocaine base aka crack and conspiracy to sponsor and promoting an animal fighting venture. • Jerry Pounds of North Union Road in Trotwood faces charges of felonious possession of a firearm and felonious possession of an explosive device. • Jon E. Pollard of Victory Drive in Trotwood faces charges of conspiracy to sponsor and promote an animal fighting venture and illegal gambling businesses. • Paul D. Pennington of Heeter Road in Brookville faces charges of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle and felonious possession of a firearm. • Terry Kendrick of Lantanna Drive in Cincinnati faces charges of conspiracy to sponsor and promote an animal fighting venture and illegal gambling business. • Cornelius Burnett of Lorimer Avenue in Trotwood faces charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of cocaine base, distribution of cocaine base and felonious possession of a firearm. All six men appeared Monday before U.S. Magistrate Michael R. Merz in U.S. District Court in Dayton. Bennett, Kendrick and Burnett were arrested at 3059 Dryden Road in Moraine, which is listed as a warehouse owned by Summit Real Estate, 3065 Dryden Road. Calls to Summit on Monday were not answered.Source:http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/26/ddn032607dogfightweb.html                                                               April 20, 2007-NEW ORLEANS -- Seven people have been arrested in connection with a dog fighting ring. Investigators said they found a wooden fighting pit in the garage of an abandoned Gentilly home. One dog was bleeding in the back of a truck, police said, and another dog might have escaped. Police said they also found a loaded gun in a car. Source:http://www.wdsu.com/news/12605605/detail.html?rss=no&psp=news  Dog Fighting ring arena owner jailed U.K                                                          NFL star Michael Vick under investigation /Dog fighting  April,20 2007-A Birmingham man who turned part of his home into a dog-fighting arena has been jailed for four months. Adio Clarke, of Holly Road, Handsworth, admitted keeping 11 pit bull terriers and causing unnecessary suffering to three of them. The 28-year-old also admitted owning a dog-fighting venue. One animal seized at his house had 157 separate wounds while another had an ear almost severed and a broken pelvis, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard. Dog-fighting video An animal welfare expert said the injuries were consistent with having been caused by dog fighting. Nick Sutton, prosecuting, said Clarke could not take the animals to a vet to receive proper treatment for their injuries, because they were an illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. He said Clarke had treated the injuries himself, contributing to the dogs' suffering. Mr Sutton said: "The tragedy is that these animals have been bred by man for the sole purpose of fighting. "Through no fault of their own, they find themselves in this appalling situation." When officers raided Clarke's home in April, they found six pit bulls chained up in the garden and more dogs inside the house. The court was shown a homemade video found at Clarke's home, showing two dogs attacking each another while being urged on by onlookers. In a separate video clip, a man showed injuries on his hand and foot to the camera, while a voice on the tape said: "Standard pit bull damage that. Eight-months-old, standard tooth holes." Sentencing Clarke, District Judge Neil Davison said the case was aggravated by his previous record for assault, robbery and possession of firearms. He said the offence was so serious only a prison sentence was appropriate. The maximum sentence that Clarke faced was six months in prison. Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6576057.stm OTHER STORY:Cruel practice that refuses to go away -A man has been jailed for four months after admitting organising dog fights at his home in Birmingham. He was one of several people arrested during a massive RSPCA operation last year. -Dog fighting was banned in 1835 but it remains an enduring practice that refuses to disappear despite the persistence of the RSPCA and the police. On Friday Adio Clarke, 28, pleaded guilty to ownership of a dog fighting venue, causing dogs to fight, possession of 11 pitbulls and three cases of causing unnecessary suffering. RSPCA spokesman Chris Pitt said Clarke had turned his terraced house in the Handsworth district of Birmingham into a venue for dog fighting. "He had turned one room in the house into a ring simply by removing the furniture. There were bloodstains all over the walls," he said. Sparring bout When RSPCA inspectors and the police raided the house they found dog training paraphernalia and a video showing two young dogs attacking each other in a sparring bout. Clarke's 11 pitbulls were handed over to the RSPCA and destroyed. -The RSPCA said it was impossible to say how many people were involved in dog fighting across the country but Mr Pitt said: "We believe that there has been an increase in dog fighting across the UK since around 2000." Dog fighting often goes hand in hand with betting but the RSPCA said that in this case there was no evidence that anyone involved was gambling on the outcome of the fights. They were in it simply for "enjoyment". Clinical psychologist Dr Elie Godsi said dog fighting attracted a certain kind of person. "It's about power and control and it appeals to people who feel insecure and insignificant and powerless in their own lives so they take it out on creatures less powerful than them by training them to be aggressive," he told the BBC News website. "It satisfies a rather seedy bloodlust among people who often feel disenfranchised and alienated from society." Clandestine and illicit Dr Godsi said they also get a thrill from the clandestine, illicit nature of dog fighting. Clarke's home was raided in April 2006 following a joint investigation with West Midlands Police, known as Operation Lace. It was one of the biggest operations ever undertaken by the RSPCA and involved a tenth of its force of inspectors. A total of 47 dogs were seized across the city and 10 men were arrested. -The dogs were suffering injuries including a dislocated hip, a tumour, and a swollen rib cage from being kicked. The RSPCA said at the time that the dogs were so dangerous they could not be re-homed. Chief Inspector Mike Butcher, of the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, said the sentence meted out to Clarke sent out a signal to other dogfighters. Mr Butcher said: "The RSPCA will pursue anyone who is fighting dogs. It is obvious to me that this was part of a large dog fighting enterprise." Since Clarke's arrested a new Animal Welfare Act has been introduced which increases the maximum sentence available from six months to 51 weeks in jail and raises the maximum fine possible from £5,000 to £20,000. Several men, who have denied involvement in dog fighting, face trials later this year.                                                               Apr 27, 2007 04:30 AM - HSUS PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NFL Star Quarterback Michael Vick Investigated for Alleged Dog Fighting WASHINGTON (April 26, 2007)—The Humane Society of the United States today released a statement in reaction to the news that Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, is being investigated for alleged animal neglect and possible dog fighting connections. Yesterday, a search warrant was issued for a property owned by Vick, in Surry County, Virginia. According to reports, law enforcement authorities discovered dogs in a state of apparent neglect and malnourishment. The Virginia Animal Fighting Taskforce was on the scene. Officers discovered up to 70 dogs, many with wounds and scars believed to be from dog fighting, according to sources. “The Humane Society of the United States has heard troubling reports for some time that Michael Vick has been involved in organized dog fighting, and we fear that this investigation may validate that very disturbing allegation,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “We urge law enforcement to aggressively investigate this matter, and we further believe that anyone who harbors dogs for the purpose of fighting, deserves to be fully prosecuted their crimes. Dog fighting is a barbaric activity that causes immense animal suffering and fosters violence in our communities. Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for any form of staged animal fighting.” NFL Commission Roger Goodell recently announced a new, stricter policy on conduct for NFL players and personnel. For more on the NFL policy, go to http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10119182 . Dog fighting is illegal nationwide and is a felony in 48 states, including both Virginia and Georgia. Additionally, the U.S. Congress has just passed, and President Bush is expected to sign any day, a bill that strengthens the federal law against interstate dog fighting activities. Facts: Other sports figures have been arrested for dog fighting including NBA’s Qyntel Woods, and the NFL’s LeShon Johnson. Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and NBA star Latrell Sprewell have had pit bulls who have attacked people. Boxer Roy Jones Jr. is a known cockfighter. The U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved legislation this month making the interstate transport of animals for fighting a felony crime. The bill has been sent to President Bush for his signature. There are reports of animal fighting crimes nearly every week in the United States. In March alone, raids in Ohio and California yielded dozens of arrests, the seizure of 64 dogs, 300 birds, $30,000 dollars in illegal gambling proceeds, guns and an explosive device. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states. Cockfighting is illegal in 49 states, with Governor Bill Richardson signing a bill to ban cockfighting in New Mexico last month. Only Louisiana allows legal cockfighting. Links: http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=6428206&nav=menu45_2_1

Return to the Dog Fighting page

Return to Dog Fighting in The news Page 1

For the latest updates on our available adoptabulls please visit our PETFINDER page.

Copyright © 2000 Casa Del Toro. All Rights Reserved.