Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dog-fighting, neglect - 32 dogs seized

Dog-fighting, neglect - 32 dogs seized
Tallahassee, FL (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Jul 30, 2007
County: Leon
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged
Charges: Felony CTA

Alleged: Venice L. Thomas-Gilliam

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Case ID: 11884

Classification: Fighting, Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (pit-bull)

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Drugs or alcohol involved

The home at 302 Bermuda Drive played host to what police said was an organized crime dog fighting ring. Thirty two pit bull dogs were found in the back yard of the home, the dogs ranging in age from eight weeks to five years or older.

"They were just out of reach from each other so they couldn't attack or bite each other," said Dee Crumpler with Animal Control.

Authorities said the dogs were restrained by heavy leather chain collars and in most instances, the chains weighed more than the dogs, an abusive tactic used to strengthen the animals.

"Had no shelter, absolutely no food; no water. You can see rib structures indicating that they were severely malnourished," added Crumpler.

The alleged activities taking place in the more than two acre back yard went unnoticed to a lot of neighbors.

"I've lived in this community since 1933. I never heard of anything like this. This bizarre," said Nathaniel Knight.

One of the dogs had scratches on its legs and what appears to be bite marks on its face. Arrested was 23-year-old Venice Thomas-Gilliam. He is charged with several counts of animal cruelty and breeding dogs for the purpose of fighting. Both offenses are felony charges.

"They range anywhere from 5 to 20 years in prison. They're very serious charges. There are multiple counts of it. We may even be looking for additional suspects," said Officer David McCranie of the Tallahassee Police Department.

Thomas-Gilliam is also facing drug charges. Authorities removed a large amount of marijuana from inside the home.

The dogs are currently in the custody of animal control and they say most of the dogs will be checked out by a vet and put up for adoption, but unfortunately for some of the dogs, they may have to be euthanized.

Case Updates

A court order now places the dogs in the custody of the Leon County Animal Shelter. Animal services officials say a decision as to what to do with the dogs will be made once they are no longer considered evidence.

"Many of the adult dogs, because they've been fight trained and they are aggressive, will be euthanized. That's always a negative and we hate to do that. On the positive side, having 31 additional kennels this time of the year is great for the animal services center," says John Calhoun, Director of Animal Services.

In July, the pit bulls were found severely malnourished at a home on Bermuda Drive. Some had visible wounds. Animal services officials say the dogs are healthier now and doing much better.

Source: WCTV - Aug 23, 2007
Update posted on Aug 24, 2007 - 12:37AM

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More than 30 dogs were removed from a Tallahassee home Monday. Arrest papers released today show at least one of those fights may have been caught on tape.

We're now learning authorities discovered several videos at the home, one of them details how to fight dogs, the other no doubt has disturbing footage of pit bulls fighting in a shed behind the house. Those tapes will now be used as evidence in this case.

Authorities say 23-year-old Venice Gilliam kept the dogs in deplorable conditions. Some of the pits were living in small crates and were severely malnourished.

Gilliam now faces 62 charges, including multiple felony counts of animal cruelty and breeding dogs for fighting.

Gilliam's bond was set at $1,000 per count, adding up to a pretty penny. The dogs are now in the Tallahassee Animal Shelter awaiting their fate as the case moves forward.

Animal Services say only the puppies will be available for adoption. Unfortunately the dogs involved in fighting will have to be euthanized because most of them are very aggressive.

Source: WCTV - Jul 31, 2007
Update posted on Aug 18, 2007 - 10:40PM

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WCTV - July 30, 2007

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Dog-fighting, neglect - 32 dogs seizedTallahassee, FL (US)

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Dog-fighting, neglect - 32 dogs seized
Tallahassee, FL (US)