Two dogs found dead, dog-fighting suspected
New Bedford, MA (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Aug 4, 2007
County: Bristol
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Two pit bulls were found dead in New Bedford over the weekend, and police said the animals were potential casualties of a dogfighting ring.
The first dog was found Saturday near New Bedford's West Beach.
"The dog had numerous bite marks about the face and the neck. It looked like it was involved in a fight," Capt. Richard Spirlet said.
The body of the second dog was spotted Sunday near Pope's Island.
"That dog also had bite marks about the face. It was used either as a training aid or a decoy for the other dogs to prey on," Spirlet said.
"People need to be more aware that it's actually in their neighborhood," said Laura Broekel, president of New Bedford's Humane Coalition for Animals.
Broekel uses a special treadmill to rehabilitate injured animals. She said people involved in dogfighting will use treadmills for a very different purpose: to build a dog's strength and aggression.
"They abuse them on the treadmill -- having them work out actually chasing a smaller animal," Broekel said.
The dogs found this weekend could have been strays or pets taken from someone's yard.
"A lot of times they'll go up and down the streets and they'll see a dog and they'll use those dogs as decoys," Spirlet said.
New Bedford police said they want you to call them if your pit bull has disappeared over the past few weeks, or if you hear or see any signs of what may be illegal dogfighting.
The Boston Animal Rescue League and the Coalition for Animals have each offered $1,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the dogs' deaths.
You can call New Bedford Police Department's Animal Control Unit at 508-991-6366 or the anonymous tip line at 508-961-4584.
Case UpdatesRewards totaling $6,000 are being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people involved in the killing of two pit bulls that were found in city waters over the weekend.
The Boston Animal Rescue League is offering a $5,000 reward and the Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford is offering $1,000, said Emmanuel Maciel, the city's animal control director.
Those with information can call the Rescue League at (617) 426-9170, Ext. 110 and New Bedford Animal Control at (508) 991-6366.
The carcasses of the animals were found in off Popes Island and on West Beach in the city's South End. The animals had injuries that are consistent with dog fighting, Mr. Maciel said. Police are investigating reports of dog fighting in the city. | | Update posted on Aug 9, 2007 - 4:39PM |
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