Post by RealPitBull on Jan 16, 2008 8:42:55 GMT -5
Dog Fighting Investigation Continues
Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 - 05:24 PM Updated: 05:51 PM
www.wjtv.com/gulfcoastwest/jtv/news.apx.-content-articles-JTV-2008-01-15-0009.html
By Emily Wood
When Jackson Police entered a fenced yard in the 100 block of Houston Avenue Saturday night, they walked smack into the middle of a kanine clash. Police arrested three men and picked up 10 pit bulls.
James Denton, 22, Mitchell Huggins, 46, and Charles Jennings, 47, face charges for felony dog fighting. Authorities say Jennings' 16-year-old son was watching one of the fights. Jennings also faces charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His son is not facing charges.
"There were animals in the the pit involved. Several individuals around the pit ran when police were responding," Jackson Police Commander Gerald Jones said.
Commander Jones says his team is still investigating and looking for at least six more people.
"It is a crime. We will aggressively seek to prosecute individuals and will care for the animals," Jones said.
Authorities say it is tough to rehabilitate dogs been involved in dog fighting. Almost all dogs involved have to be euthanized.
"They are a risk to the community, risk to people, risk to animals in neighborhoods. Some people think they can be rehabilitated. We are of opinion they cannot," Debra Boswell with the Mississippi Animal Rights League said.
Boswell and her staff took in 400 abused pit bulls last year. Of the 10 dogs picked up last weekend, city workers have already euthanized three. Boswell says she would do the same.
"My staff and I are resigned to fact when they're brought in, we're giving them freedom, setting them free," she said.
Authorities say if you see any suspicious activity involving animals in your neighborhood, you should call police.
Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008 - 05:24 PM Updated: 05:51 PM
www.wjtv.com/gulfcoastwest/jtv/news.apx.-content-articles-JTV-2008-01-15-0009.html
By Emily Wood
When Jackson Police entered a fenced yard in the 100 block of Houston Avenue Saturday night, they walked smack into the middle of a kanine clash. Police arrested three men and picked up 10 pit bulls.
James Denton, 22, Mitchell Huggins, 46, and Charles Jennings, 47, face charges for felony dog fighting. Authorities say Jennings' 16-year-old son was watching one of the fights. Jennings also faces charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His son is not facing charges.
"There were animals in the the pit involved. Several individuals around the pit ran when police were responding," Jackson Police Commander Gerald Jones said.
Commander Jones says his team is still investigating and looking for at least six more people.
"It is a crime. We will aggressively seek to prosecute individuals and will care for the animals," Jones said.
Authorities say it is tough to rehabilitate dogs been involved in dog fighting. Almost all dogs involved have to be euthanized.
"They are a risk to the community, risk to people, risk to animals in neighborhoods. Some people think they can be rehabilitated. We are of opinion they cannot," Debra Boswell with the Mississippi Animal Rights League said.
Boswell and her staff took in 400 abused pit bulls last year. Of the 10 dogs picked up last weekend, city workers have already euthanized three. Boswell says she would do the same.
"My staff and I are resigned to fact when they're brought in, we're giving them freedom, setting them free," she said.
Authorities say if you see any suspicious activity involving animals in your neighborhood, you should call police.