First published on February 6, 2020 / 9:42 AM. If you want to receive local news alerts, please download our WPXI News App. Under federal law, the government can forfeit any animals engaged in any animal fighting venture. He was released from federal prison in 2009. In last weeks case, officers uncovered 30 firearms and $40,000 in cash, in addition to the 305 dogs rescued in South Carolina. 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. A third man, who kept the dogs at his home for $60 a month, is charged with being a felon in possession of an un-spayed or un-neutered dog. The victorious dog owner would receive all of the winnings. 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 . MACON, Ga. - A massive bust on an alleged dogfighting ring in middle Georgia on Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday . (The United States Department of Justice) "In addition to the human offenders, raids can involve 1 to 500 dogs, with an average of 35 dogs per case. Bust of 'barbaric' dog-fighting ring leads to rescue of 156 dogs in Georgia, feds say. Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. August 27, 2013. Federal authorities broke up a dog fighting ring and added drug conspiracy charges to the 11 people arrested. Stanley Redd, Jr. is being held in the Trumbull County Jail on a . February 6, 2020 / 9:42 AM The dogs rescued ranged from 10-month old puppies to 10-12 year . 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. Nine residents in Suffolk County, three in Nassau County and one in Brooklyn were searched on July 31 and Aug. 1, where 81 dogs were rescued. . They say the dogs were tortured and forced to fight and kill each other. Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini announced Monday that authorities busted one of the biggest dogfighting rings in New York state history. 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. 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. Two people were arrested at the scene, the report said. 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. The strikes left 34 people injured, including three children, and caused widespread damage. Agents with the Pa. Attorney Generals office, along with Penn Hills and Monroeville police, carried out the bust Friday morning. 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. 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. 7 pit bulls also found along with evidence of possible dog fighting ring #wpxi pic.twitter.com/eVMUk5mDK6. In addition to fentanyl, agents found cocaine, guns and cash. "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. Dogfighting was born in this country before the start of the Civil War. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Georgia man, Vincent Lemark Burrell, was arrested after police rescued over 100 dogs from a dogfighting ring operation. 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 community," according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) charity. If convicted, the defendants each face up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. 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. 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. 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. "Fights can happen in a variety of locations ranging from back alleys to carefully-staged enterprises. 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. Investigators broke up the suspected ring at a residence on Pinehurst in northwest Detroit.. Friday night, agents also filed charges against another person in connection with the drug bust. 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. The U.S. Attorney also filed motions seeking to take legal ownership of the dogs and place the animals in the care and custody of the Humane Society. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. A Georgia man has been arrested for animal cruelty and dog fighting after detectives found 106 dogs in poor conditions at his property, officials said. DETROIT - Officials busted an alleged dog fighting ring and rescued 21 dogs from a home on Detroit's west side, police said. Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. Authorities rescued nearly 100 dogs from a dogfighting ring this week. Illegal gambling and drug sales often take place at dogfighting events. Paulding County Sheriff's Offi More than 100 dogs were rescued this. Heres here you can donate to help these pups plus who to call if you know more information. 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. A licensed veterinarian was on-site during the seizure to examine and provide care to the dogs. This story has been shared 190,894 times. Agents with the Pa. Attorney General's office,. On Sunday, officers then executed search warrants at 23 residences and properties in. " ( source) When the greedy get greedier, operations expand. This story has been shared 400,226 times. Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy Sini called it a criminal network that bred . It further alleges that during the same time period, five of the accused conspired to sponsor and exhibit dogs in a dog fight as well as to possess, train, transport, deliver and receive dogs for future fights. Stock image of a dog behind a wire fence. Rick Earle, Channel 11 Chief Investigative Reporter, Pittsburgh police searching for endangered man who went missing yesterday, Local woman sentenced for embezzling over $8.5 million from former employer, VIDEO: Pa. lawmaker introduces bill that would make not wearing mask a misdemeanor, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Police searching for 2 suspects after armed robbery at KFC in Braddock Hills, Off-duty Pittsburgh police officers involved in altercation at Luke Combs concert, 2 juveniles charged after man assaulted, robbed in downtown Pittsburgh, $1 million Pennsylvania Lottery ticket sold at Allegheny County Giant Eagle, Pennsylvanians could spend over $100,000 annually on long-term healthcare, experts say. Updated: 5:21 PM EST December 2, 2020. CNN values your feedback 1. A Georgia man was arrested this week in connection with a dog-fighting operation, according to authorities. A three-year investigation and multi-state dog fighting bust resulted in the rescue of 367 pit bull terriers in Alabama and Georgia. It was a multistate raid that took place in . 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) - Warren police say they found an elaborate dog-fighting operation during a drug investigation on Tuesday. 0:03. One defendant faces up to 20 years for additional drug possession charges. Others would bet on the outcomes of the violent fights, in which the dogs can be seriously injured or killed. The footage shot by a confidential government informant shows two pit bulls locked in a fight to the death as a group of men look on in a wooded location near Tallahassee. GASTONIA, N.C. Horrifying new details have surfaced about a dogfighting ring that was broken up in Gaston County earlier this month. In the process they rescued 168 dogs who were injured and severely malnourished. Breaking UPDATE: State agents also filed charges against Juqea Sears in connection with that big drug bust in Penn Hills today. 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. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Authorities say the eight suspects participated in a large-scale illegal dogfighting ring that operated in northern Florida from 2014 through 2019. "The clip very vividly describes the level of cruelty and depravity," Eric Mountin, an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Florida, said. 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.. The defendants would also make money breeding and selling dogs deemed to have good fighting genes. 49-year-old Rico Pagan is facing over a . Local media reported that the Michigan Humane Society found 21 dogsfrom the home on the west side of Detroit. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? The Humane Society confirmed they took 21 dogs from the property, four of them puppies. He also admitted to being complicit in the death of six dogs. An undercover video obtained by NBC News offers a disturbing glimpse inside a Florida dogfighting operation. The videos were presented at a detention hearing after eight people from the Tallahassee area were indicted on federal dogfighting charges. Officials from the Michigan Humane Society had to bring in extra vans to transport all the dogs. We need to hold these bad actors accountable for their violent actions and these crimes need to be treated seriously under our law.. You can donate to Red Rover here and the Humane Society here. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. There are 2 other men who are targets of the investigation, but who have not yet been charged or apprehended. The fights can last one to two hours and the injuries to the animals are often severe and even fatal, killing the dogs hours or even days after the fights. "We became more aware that dogfighting was a significant side enterprise, so to speak, that this group was involved with," Mountin said. 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. The sting started when state. After this image went viral last week, a reporter tracked down Irpins intrepid animal rescuer. "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. 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. Rescue organizations are in need of donations (and adoptions) after the devastating storm. Dogs that were seriously injured or underperformed were killed by the defendants, the investigation found. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. 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. The discovery was made . 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. 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. 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. 2023 www.freep.com. 2 min read. Busting dogfighting doesnt only save dog lives where there is dogfighting there is often other criminal activity. Authorities rescued the dogs from areas in Nassau and Suffolk. Pagan was taken into custody without incident and charged with three felonious counts of dogfighting. 1. 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. A special grand jury will investigate the case, Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini said, to make future legal recommendations on effective animal cruelty prevention. Marshals Service, Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and local law enforcement agencies, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. They found special equipment used to train dogs to fight, including treadmills, surgical supplies, steroids and supplements. Police also seized guns, cocaine and money. Hadley's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. So far, about $22,700 has been raised of its $35,000 goal from over 460 donations. A law enforcement raid carried out last month demonstrates the challenges of catching suspects in the act of conducting dogfights. The HSUS will pay up to $5,000 for people who provide information to aid the organization in getting dogfighters arrested and convicted. "After a lengthy investigation, several weeks long . 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.. 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.. 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. The investigation into the dog fighting ring began in October 2008, the release stated, and was launched be the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Much of the investigation stems from tips from neighbors in the area, officials said. Most dogs need medical care, officials say. Heres why you shouldnt rule out senior dogs, special-needs pups, bully breeds, or tripods. 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. Representatives of the Humane Society of the United States, which assisted in the investigation, were also on hand, the release stated. Seven pit bulls were also found on the property, along with evidence of a possible dog fighting ring. Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. A suspect has been charged after officers seized dozens of dogs from a home in a Gaston County neighborhood last month. 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.