The Spokane County Sheriff's Office raided a Spokane Valley home early Tuesday and discovered an illegal dog kennel they believe might be tied to unlawful dog fights and gambling.
Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) officers and Washington State Gambling investigators raided the home on the 8,000 Block of East Utah Avenue with the assistance of the sheriff's property crimes task force and a limited number of SWAT-trained entry deputies.
A loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol was found just inside the entryway when the deputies raided the residence about 7 a.m.
The lone occupant at the time, 24-year-old Peter S. Nelson, was quickly detained on charges of operating the illegal kennel. A second suspect, 25-year-old Alfredo L. Renteria, was not present at the time of the raid, but probable cause exists for his arrest as well.
Washington State Gambling investigators assisted in the case because of a tip they received in 2004 that the two suspects were using pit bulls in illegal dog fights where participants were taking bets on the outcomes.
Eight pit bulls were found either tethered with heavy metal chains or caged in the home's backyard. Only two dogs were licensed to the suspects. Case UpdatesThe trial against two alleged dog-fighters has been postponed to December.
Peter Nelson and Alfredo Renteria face felony animal cruelty and dog-fighting charges stemming from April, when SCRAPS officers reportedly seized eight injured dogs from Nelson's home. The animals were found kept in cages or tethered with heavy chains. A loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol was also found at the scene.
The two are now scheduled for trial on December 3, 2007 in Spokane Superior Court. | Source: Case # 07-1-01590-7
Update posted on Sep 25, 2007 - 5:22PM |
On July 26, Spokane Animal Control asked a judge to allow them to euthanize 8 pit bulls seized from suspected dog-fighters.
Experts say the dogs are unadoptable, and they are taking up space they need for other animals.
The judge denied the request because the dogs are considered evidence in the case against their owners.
In April, SCRAPS seized the dogs, some of which were suffering injuries such as split ears and severe skin conditions. The animals were found kept in cages or tethered with heavy chains.
Peter Nelson and Alfredo Renteria face felony animal cruelty and dog-fighting charges, and are scheduled for trial on September 24, 2007. | Source: KREM.com Jul 26, 2007
Update posted on Jul 31, 2007 - 3:48PM |
"This is kind of new ground here," Nancy Hill, director of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, said regarding the April 24 raid on a suspected dog-fighting operation.
"It's a sad day for Spokane County."
Deputies arrested Peter S. Nelson, 24, but are still looking for Alfredo L. Renteria, 25.
Possible charges include confining animals in an unsafe manner, operating an illegal kennel, animal cruelty, dogs used as bait and animal fighting. Engaging in dogfighting is a class C felony.
The dogs were caged or restrained with heavy chains during the search conducted by SCRAPS, the county sheriff's office and an agent with the state Gambling Commission.
"The dogs are pretty lean. It looks like they've been conditioned. They have wounds and scars. One has sutures on its chest," reported an investigator. Medications and other paraphernalia associated with dog fighting were also allegedly found.
The sheriff's office said the Gambling Commission received a tip about betting on dogfights arranged by the Spokane Valley operation as early as 2004. The investigation stalled because agents could not document the operation at the time, Gambling Commission spokeswoman Susan Arland said.
SCRAPS officials reportedly began investigating the home after concerned neighbors called, saying they had heard the dogs crying in pain. | Source: Seattle Post Intelligencier - Apr 25, 2007
Update posted on Apr 26, 2007 - 11:43AM |
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