Dog-fighting, neglect - 29 dogs seized
Delhi Township, MI (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 9, 2008
County: Ingham

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Bernardino Gomez
» Jamie Gomez

A suspected dogfighting operation was found on Grovenburg Road in Delhi Township. Michigan State Police were executing a search warrant for drugs at the time.

"Team members learned that there may be a large number of pit bulls present in the residence," said Det. Lt. Tim Gill.

And when they entered the home with animal control officers that's exactly what they found.

"There were approximately 20 pit bulls present in the home."

Twenty-nine of them to be exact. The homeowners are Bernardino and Jamie Gomez. Both were arrested on unrelated charges.

Investigators say the couple confined the dogs to the basement and locked them in crates...some had signs of abuse and neglect, others of hostility.

"Some of the dogs have shown aggression absolutely. But these animal are somewhat consistent with dogs that fight," said Ingham County Animal Control Director Jami McAloon Lampman.

Dogs weren't all they found. Three children under the age of 10 lived in the home as well, those children are now in the custody of a relative. Authorities also discovered dogfighting literature and other items.

"You wouldn't have unless you were fighting dogs."

Some neighbors tell us they were scared of the dogs even though they were primarily indoors and in the backyard. But if you go around back, you'll find a gaping hole in the fence.

Investigators say luckily none of the dogs got out. The animals range in age from seven weeks to seven years. Some are still being examined and all will likely have to be put down.

"Dog fighting dogs are not companion animals because they want to attack everything in site that's moving."

References

« MI State Animal Cruelty Map

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