Investigators broke up the suspected ring at a residence on Pinehurst in northwest Detroit.. "If you dont see [it], you cant fully appreciate the cruelty.". Searches revealed disturbing dog-fighting paraphernalia, according to officials, including rape stands, used to immobilize female dogs for bredding, skin staplers, steroids and supplements, devices used to electrocute dogs, break sticks used to break up fights, and dog training equipment like treadmills. Please enter valid email address to continue. These arrests represent a significant blow to dogfighting, certainly here on Long Island and we believe it will have impacts throughout the Northeast., NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea chipped in saying The NYPD will continue to enforce the laws that protect animals and ensure those who abuse them are brought to justice.. 49-year-old Rico Pagan is facing over a . You can also follow WPXI on Facebook and Twitter. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. On May 14, federal agents descended on a wooded location where dogfights were underway, Mountin said. Authorities have broken up a four-state dog fighting ring, confiscated more than 350 pit bull terriers, and arrested 12 people on charges of illegal gambling and dog fighting . In a 2020 Dog Fighting Bust, Police Found More Than 150 Dogs. RIVERHEAD, Long Island (WABC) -- Ten people have been arrested and 89 dogs seized in the bust of the largest dogfighting ring in Suffolk County history, District Attorney Tim Sini announced. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. She is facing numerous drug and animal cruelty charges. Vincent Lemark. The investigation lasted from May 2019 until February 2020, when law enforcement agents carried out search warrants at 15 homes and seized more than 150 dogs that were being used for fighting . The HSUS will pay up to $5,000 for people who provide information to aid the organization in getting dogfighters arrested and convicted. Making dogs fight for sport is definitely one of them. 3. Contact Bisma Parvezat 313-222-6420or bparvez@freepress.comFollow her on Twitter @bismapar. "Were seizing 21 dogs -- all associated with dog fighting -- dog fighting paraphernalia, which is anything to include up to slat mills, treadmills, break sticks, drugs -- anything associated with conditioning dogs to fight, "said Andy Seltz, of the Michigan Humane Society. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. One defendant faces up to 20 years for additional drug possession charges. Save on AeroGarden indoor herb growing kits at Amazon, Dyson's air purifying headphones have finally arrived, Preorder 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' today, Astros vs Phillies: How to get tickets and free swag this weekend, There are a ton of great patio furniture sets on sale right now, Heat and humidity head to Houston as summer approaches, FBI to direct 'large scale' nuclear training in Houston this week, Astros headed to Mexico City in 2024 for historic matchup, Why this scenic train ride is considered one of Colorado's best. Two sentenced to 18 months in dogfighting ring that spanned D.C., Maryland and Virginia By Rachel Weiner October 7, 2021 at 4:07 p.m. EDT This evidence photo presented in federal court in. With the help of Bark Nation and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), law enforcement officers saved more than 305 dogs and arrested more than 20 people following the execution of search warrants in 10 properties known to be associated with dogfighting. Officers and agents executed a federal arrest warrant in Panola and Gregg counties . PENN HILLS, Pa. A major drug bust in Penn Hills uncovered more than 1,000 fentanyl stamp bags and evidence of a possible dog fighting ring. We are hopeful all will recover successfully and be able to begin their life after dog fighting.". "Were seizing 21 dogs all associated with dog-fighting dog-fighting paraphernalia, which is anything to include up to slat mills, treadmills, break sticks, drugs anything associated with conditioning dogs to fight," Humane Society's Andy Seltz said to WDIV. Copyright 2020 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. The arrestees include Shaquille Bentley, 26, of Roberta, Georgia; Jason Carter, 38, of Phoenix City, Alabama; Lekey Davis, 45, of Talbotton, Georgia; Bryanna Holmes, 24, of Fort Valley, Georgia; Vernon Vegas, 49, of Suwanee, Georgia; Kathy Ann Whitfield, 61, of Columbus, Georgia; Armard Davis, 41, of Fort Valley, Georgia; Jarvis Lockett, 40, of Warner Robins, Georgia; Derrick Owens, 37, of Woodland, Georgia; Christopher Raines, 50, of Talbotton, Georgia; and Rodrick Walton, 40, of Shiloh, Georgia. "On average, it costs a little over $1,400 to care for each dog in our care. The non-profit organization has since set up a donation page on Facebook to ask the public to help contribute to the cost of care needed for the pooches. Adoption isnt for everyone here are other ways you can be there for animals in need. The 12th defendant prosecuted as part of an extensive investigation into a dog-fighting and cocaine distribution network spanning three states was sentenced for his crimes in federal court today. More than 20 people were arrested and more than 300 dogs were rescued as authorities raided dogfighting kennels in South Carolina, federal prosecutors said Monday. Georgia man, Vincent Lemark Burrell, was arrested after police rescued over 100 dogs from a dogfighting ring operation. If you have further information regarding dogfighting in South Carolina, you can call 1-800-424-9121 to reach the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for enforcing the Animal Welfare Act. Bark Nation, the non-profit that works to end canine cruelty, called it "one of the largest operations to combat dogfighting in Michigan's history.". Dogfighting is a bloodsport where dogs who have been bred and trained to fight are placed in a pit to fight until one dog is unable to continue, according to the Human Society of the United States (HSUS). A joint team of more than five dozen federal and state law enforcement officers broke up a massive dogfighting ring in South Carolina this week, according to a news release from the office of. Sio Hornbuckle is a writer living in New York City with their cat, Toni Collette. Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Under federal law, the government can forfeit any animals engaged in any animal fighting venture. MASTIC, NY Ten Long Island men including a Mastic man known as the "Godfather of Dog Fighting" have been busted for running an interstate dog fighting ring that nearly 100. Brown added that many of the rescued dogs were "thin or underweight." The indictment against nine people was unsealed today morning and named: Harold D. Stewart, 41, Karl Shane Courtney, 34 and Devin L. Pelzl, 29, of Beckville; Jerry Scotty Chism, 34, of Longview; Chase M. Courtney, 26, and and Chad A. Courtney, 30, of Carthage; Jerry L. Beene, 69, and Michael L. Beene, 36, of Hampton, Ark. Authorities rescued the dogs from areas in Nassau and Suffolk. February 6, 2020 / 9:42 AM / CBS Detroit. If you want to receive local news alerts, please download our WPXI News App. Rescue organizations are in need of donations (and adoptions) after the devastating storm. Working to keep low-income and homeless people and their pets together. Ten people have been arrested and 89 dogs seized in the bust of the largest dogfighting ring in Suffolk County history, District Attorney Tim Sini announced Monday. In addition to fentanyl, agents found cocaine, guns and cash. SUFFOLK COUNTY Police arrested 10 alleged operators of a dogfighting ring and rescued 89 dogs, New York officials . "Fights can last just a few minutes or several hours, and both animals may suffer injuries including puncture wounds, lacerations, blood loss, crushing injuries, and broken bones. Many of us have dogs as pets in our homes and we love them as another family member. Friday night, agents also filed charges against another person in connection with the drug bust. First published on February 6, 2020 / 9:42 AM. The dogs rescued ranged from 10-month old puppies to 10-12 year . Representatives of the Humane Society of the United States, which assisted in the investigation, were also on hand, the release stated. Hadley's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. There are 2 other men who are targets of the investigation, but who have not yet been charged or apprehended. Animal care enforcement officers began investigating on the morning of April 28 after receiving a tip that dogs were being trained to fight at a home on Hemlock Avenue in Gastonia. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Neighbors watched for hours Tuesday as dog after dog came out of the home. An additional eight dogs were rescued in Connecticut. The HSUS estimates that more than 40,000 people participate in organized dogfighting in the U.S., and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that [dogfighting[ continues to occur in every part of the country and in every type of community.. The dog fighting operation spanned from Long Island, New York City, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and included breeding, training and illegal fighting of pit bulls, an investigation by several local, county and state law enforcement agencies revealed. Vick and his associates operated the aptly named "Bad Newz Kennels," which housed and trained over 50 pit bull dogs, staged dog fights, killed dogs, and . Fights typically take place in a 14-20 square-foot pit designed to contain the animals. 0:41. The federal indictment alleges that between May 2019 and February 2020, 10 of the accused conspired to obtain and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an amount equalling roughly 11 pounds. A suspect has been charged after officers seized dozens of dogs from a home in a Gaston County neighborhood last month. They say the dogs were tortured and forced to fight and kill each other. Investigators said agents found more than 1,000 fentanyl stamp bags stamped with words like STEEL CITY and POWER inside the home. In last weeks case, officers uncovered 30 firearms and $40,000 in cash, in addition to the 305 dogs rescued in South Carolina. "Although fights are not usually to the death, many dogs succumb to their injuries later, and losing dogs are often discarded, killed, or brutally executed as part of the "sport.". The man arrested at the home was not identified, but is facing felony charges, according to WJBK-TV(Channel 2). Sini says most of the defendants face a maximum sentence of four years. The discovery was made . MACON, Ga. - A massive bust on an alleged dogfighting ring in middle Georgia on Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday . "Bark Nation was honored to have the privilege of deploying our National Animal Response Unit to assist local and federal law enforcement with the documentation and seizure of dogs from this ongoing case," she said, according to a WXYZ News report. See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. Animal fighting has been brought to the forefront of the nation's attention by the highly publicized conviction of NFL star quarterback Michael Vick and three of his associates on federal and state charges related to illegal dogfighting. Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? The individuals now face 136 criminal counts including alleged conspiracy, possession, distribution and the intent to distribute drugs, as well as alleged violations of the dogfighting prohibitions contained in the federal Animal Welfare Act of 1966, a federal law regulating the handling of animals. A willing opponent would pay a buy-in fee or forfeit to enter their dog into the fight, officials said. A man was arrested for allegedly running a dog-fighting operation on Detroit's west side and Detroit police, the Michigan Humane Society and federal agents rescued 21 dogs and found . WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) - Warren police say they found an elaborate dog-fighting operation during a drug investigation on Tuesday. Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett says his department received a tip of a dog fighting operation on Lightfoot Road in Brownsville. Officials from the Michigan Humane Society had to bring in extra vans to transport all the dogs. 35-year-old Monica Cannady, 9-year-old Kyle Milton, and 3-year-old Malik Milton were found dead in a field near Crystal Lake, which is near Telegraph and Woodward Avenue. Trump's latest attack addresses DeSantis' overseas trips to the U.K., Israel, Florida's Covid-19 record, and polling support for the 2024 Presidential race. / CBS Detroit. 2023 www.freep.com. Its important to note that most dogs rescued from dog-fighting busts can be rehabilitated. Many of the dogs displayed various medical conditions consistent with dogfighting, including scarring and broken teeth, and were exhibiting fearful behavior, the DAs office said. The strikes left 34 people injured, including three children, and caused widespread damage. Much of the investigation stems from tips from neighbors in the area, officials said. Last week, authorities busted the largest dog-fighting ring in South Carolinas history. The charity's Facebook page said earlier this week, through combined efforts, these 133 dogs were removed from multiple properties in Detroit, Michigan, under suspicion of being involved in dogfighting. IE 11 is not supported. Most dogs need medical care, officials say. The dogs are now in the care of the ASPCA. SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Trump Ramps up Attacks on DeSantis: 'Dropping Like a Rock', Russian Strikes on Pavlohrad Aim to Hamper Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Greg Abbott Criticized for Response to Texas Shooting: 'A New Low', Democrat Sold First Republic Stock, Bought JP Morgan Before Collapse, Conservative Influencers Struggle With Countering Biden's Messaging. During the 15 months Mills posed as a dogfighter, he trained pit bulls to fight from a property in rural Missouri and attended dog fighting events throughout the St. Louis and Southern Illinois areas. The Michigan Humane Society encourages people to report suspected animal cruelty, abuse or neglect to their field services team by calling 313-872-3401. 1.Suspect in 2018 George County dog fighting ring bust headed to trial; 2.Roxie Man Serving 9 Years for Dogfighting Has New Witness, But 3.8 arrested, 12 dogs rescued from dog fighting ring in Newton County; 4.North Mississippi man wanted in connection with massive dog 5.Mississippi Dogfighting Ring Bust: Feds make 50 arrests during . Video from informant shows up-close view of Florida dogfighting ring, Customs and Border Protection video shows aerial view of Florida dogfighting ring. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini called it a criminal network that bred . They found special equipment used to train dogs to fight, including treadmills, surgical supplies, steroids and supplements. The Nassau SPCA is offering a $5,000 reward for any tips that lead to an arrest and conviction in a dogfighting case. Federal charges in dogfighting are extremely rare, and we applaud the authorities for giving this crime the attention it deserves.. A three-year investigation and multi-state dog fighting bust resulted in the rescue of 367 pit bull terriers in Alabama and Georgia. 2 min read. Elizabeth Brandler, with the ASPCA, says, "Despite dogfighting being illegal in every state, we estimate that people who fight dogs number in the tens of thousands forcing hundreds of thousands of dogs to train, fight and suffer every year.". The defendants would also make money breeding and selling dogs deemed to have good fighting genes. Four of the suspects including the alleged ringleader, Jermaine "Tank" Hadley were arrested in May on federal drug trafficking charges. Dog Fighting Is a Gateway Crime. PENN HILLS, Pa. A major drug bust in Penn Hills uncovered more than 1,000 fentanyl stamp bags and evidence of a possible dog fighting ring. Sini says the dogfighting ring had been going on for years and stretched across Long Island, New York City and even Connecticut and Massachusetts. NEW YORK - Authorities on Long Island announced arrests connected to an alleged interstate dogfighting ring. Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Authorities rescued nearly 100 dogs from a dogfighting ring this week. August 27, 2013. Updated: 5:21 PM EST December 2, 2020. DETROIT (FOX 2) - Detroit police made a bust at a home after getting a tip about dog fighting. As anyone whos so much as glanced at U.S. history will tell you, when it comes to things to be ashamed of, countless events make the list. Federal authorities have arrested 11 individuals from Alabama and Georgia who had allegedly arranged a dogfighting ring and a conspiracy to distribute mass amounts of cocaine. "We became more aware that dogfighting was a significant side enterprise, so to speak, that this group was involved with," Mountin said. Jermaine Hadley's sentence comes. We are grateful that the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office and Suffolk County Police Department chose to work with us on this complex case and for their commitment to stopping these despicable crimes, rescuing the animals involved, and bringing the perpetrators to justice.. Their P2 Crew is composed of 70 volunteers and receives no federal funding for their work. Dogs that were seriously injured or underperformed were killed by the defendants, the investigation found. "After a lengthy investigation, several weeks long . Major bust uncovers over 1,000 fentanyl stamp bags, evidence of possible dog fighting ring in Penn Hills. Federal law enforcement officials executed 11 search warrants in Middle Georgia Wednesday in a massive dog fighting investigation. The U.S. Attorney's office Thursday announced that over 160 dogs were rescued in a dog-fighting ring, including some from Central Georgia counties Subscribe . The Vicktory Dogs rescued from Vicks operation were proof of that, and were featured in the 2015 documentary, The Champions. EASTMAN, Ga. A federal grand jury has moved to indict seven people on federal charges in connection with an alleged Dodge County dog-fighting operation . But they also found $13,000 in cash and two handguns. In the process they rescued 168 dogs who were injured and severely malnourished. A new study says yes. "Dogfighting is brutal and illegal; it is particularly troubling when combined with drug trafficking," said Peter D. Leary, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Trump Ramps up Attacks on DeSantis: 'Dropping Like a Rock', Russian Strikes on Pavlohrad Aim to Hamper Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Greg Abbott Criticized for Response to Texas Shooting: 'A New Low', Democrat Sold First Republic Stock, Bought JP Morgan Before Collapse, Conservative Influencers Struggle With Countering Biden's Messaging. An undercover video obtained by NBC News offers a disturbing glimpse inside a Florida dogfighting operation. 7:29 p.m. Investigators say the duo sold a pit bull fighting dog to a confidential informant for $400, and that Williams discussed the sale price with Thaxton before making an agreement. The U.S. Attorney is also seeking a court order requiring the defendants to reimburse the Humane Society for all costs incurred for the dogs care. Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands but continues to occur "in every part of the country and in every type of. "My . Officers and agents executed a federal arrest warrant in Panola and Gregg counties where nine dogs were seized during a search of property in rural Panola County, according to a release from U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. 2. The victorious dog owner would receive all of the winnings. And though the practice was outlawed by most states around that time, it took on newfound popularity in the 20th century. Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini announced Monday that authorities busted one of the biggest dogfighting rings in New York state history. More than 80 dogs were rescued and 10 men arrested in Suffolk County on Monday for one of the largest dog fighting ring takedowns in New York State history. 2 Arrested In Detroit Dog Fighting Ring Bust - Detroit, MI - Nearly two dozen dogs were rescued from the home on the city's west side, according to a report. Some had no food or water. The locations in Suffolk County were Shirley, Mastic, Bay Shore, Wyandanch, Hampton Bays and Amityville. The footage was provided to NBC News by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida as part of an effort to help authorities track down other members of the dogfighting operation. Aliza Nadi is an investigative producer for NBC News. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals helped in the recovery of the dogs, who were found in awful living conditions in basements, garages and sheds. The charity has already thanked all the people who have donated thus far or reached out regarding the safety of the dogs. This story has been shared 101,087 times. Thanks for contacting us. You can donate to Red Rover here and the Humane Society here. Local media reported that the Michigan Humane Society found 21 dogsfrom the home on the west side of Detroit. Investigators arrested Crystal McDonald during the drug bust in Penn Hills and shes facing numerous drug charges along with animal cruelty charges. The Humane Society confirmed they took 21 dogs from the property, four of them puppies. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Officials raided the house, executing a search warrant, between the 6300 and 6400 blocks ofon Abington Avenue near the Southfield Freeway around 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Humane Societysaid. By: Josephine Bennett. The heinous, inhumane practice landed on most modern Americans radars in 2007, when former NFL quarterback Michael Vick plead guilty to funding a dog-fighting ring and its related gambling operation. With the help of Bark Nation and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), law enforcement officers saved more than 305 dogs and arrested more than 20 people following the execution of search warrants in 10 properties known to be associated with dogfighting., At the time of these arrests, U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs said the following in a statement: To force dogs to fight, often to the death, for the enjoyment of others is not only a federal crime, it is also cruel, sadistic, and can create a haven for other illicit activities involving drugs and firearms.. Law enforcement often finds that guns, illicit drugs, human trafficking, and child abuse are involved with instances of animal abuse, Mark Keel, the chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, told local news station WYFF. DETROIT, Mich. (PATCH) A dog fighting ring was busted Tuesday, leading to the arrests and nearly two dozen dogs being rescued, according to a report . "We will investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in these criminal acts and seek justice for all of their victims.". Breaking: More than a thousand Stamp bags of Fentanyl stamped with words STEEL CITY and POWER recovered along with 13-thousand dollars in cash and two hand guns during bust in Penn Hills. We need to hold these bad actors accountable for their violent actions and these crimes need to be treated seriously under our law.. Wednesday morning, members of the Gaston County Police and Animal Care & Enforcement went to the home on Queens Road to serve a search warrant and arrest the suspected dogfighting organizer, Rico Pagan, according to a news release. At the time of Vicks conviction, Ed Sayres, then president and CEO of the ASCPA said, in part: It is gratifying to see federal authorities taking an active role in investigating dogfighting, which is a felony offense in 48 states, and something that we in the animal welfare world take extremely seriously indeed. After this image went viral last week, a reporter tracked down Irpins intrepid animal rescuer. "It's not unusual for these things to go on for hours," he added. "If the public recognizes someone in this video, we encourage them to contact our office at 850-942-8430," Mountin said. Officials with the Michigan Humane Society, with help from Detroit police and federal agents, busted the ring around 8 a.m. Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation, police said. A second video, shot with an infrared camera aboard a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft in February, shows what appear to be two canines charging at each other, surrounded by a ring of people. 2023 Cox Media Group. A well-known dog-fighting trainer and breeder, who owned Cane Valley Kennels, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of five years in prison resulting from an investigation into a significant multi-state dog-fighting and cocaine trafficking ring. The individuals now face 136 criminal counts including alleged conspiracy, possession, distribution and the intent to distribute drugs, as well as alleged violations of the dogfighting prohibitions. July 8, 2009. Authorities and animal welfare organizations in the Gulf Coast region of the U.S recovered an unbelievable 367 dogs, mostly American Pit Bull Terriers, in a multistate dogfighting bust last. Fifteen years later, dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states, thanks to the Animal Welfare Act. The footage, shot by a confidential government informant, was obtained by NBC News after eight people were indicted on federal dogfighting charges. During the bust, agents arrested a woman -- Crystal McDonald. Breaking UPDATE: State agents also filed charges against Juqea Sears in connection with that big drug bust in Penn Hills today. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports. NOW PLAYING ABOVE. Authorities say 10 people were arrested and 89 dogs were rescued. But that doesnt mean this deplorable practice isnt still taking place in the U.S. Its clear that this inhumane treatment of dogs isnt going away, despite it being literally illegal across the country. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. Four of the suspects including the alleged. A joint venture between state and federal police as well as a non-profit organization has resulted in 133 dogs being rescued from a mass dog fighting ring in Michigan. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. This story has been shared 400,226 times. The authorities conducted raids across northern Florida that resulted in the rescue of almost 100 dogs. By DNICA COTO, The Charlotte Observer. Last week, authorities busted the largest dog-fighting ring in South Carolina's history. Fighting dogs rescued . One of the suspects allegedly left a canine in a pool unattended as part of a training regimen, causing it to drown, according to the 83-count indictment unsealed last week. The investigation, which began in early 2021, revealed that the defendants prepare pups as young as six months old for practice fights or rolls to determine their fighting potential. The investigation began 18 months ago when the Drug Enforcement Administration launched a probe into drug trafficking in the area.
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