Dog-fighting - 31 dogs seized Chicago, IL (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jun 13, 2008 County: Cook
Charges: Misdemeanor Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 3 files available
Alleged: Larue Jackson
More than 30 pit bulls that appeared to have been used for dog-fighting were seized from a South Side house Friday morning, authorities said.
The dogs displayed what officials called tell-tale signs, including mangled ears, muscular jaws, sharp toenails, extensive scarring and open wounds where chunks of flesh were missing.
"It's up there with the worst cases we've seen," said Sgt. Eldon Urbikas of the Chicago police animal crimes unit, which assisted Cook County sheriff's police.
Officers executed a search warrant in the 7100 block of South Oakley Avenue, where they found the dogs, authorities said.
Larue Jackson, 50, was charged with 21 misdemeanor counts of possession of a pit bull by a felon, said Penny Mateck, a spokeswoman for the Cook County sheriff's office. Jackson, who lives in the home with his wife and two children, is a convicted sex offender. He was convicted of sexual assault in 1995 and twice found guilty of solicitation since 2005, according to court records.
He was taken into custody when the dogs were seized. Community members provided key tips for the monthlong probe.
Thirty-two dogs, including 10 puppies, were seized, according to Chicago Animal Care and Control. However, Mateck said they confiscated 31 dogs, including 11 puppies.
There were no indications of fighting at the residence, but dogs were trained and bred there, said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Dogs were found in a foul-smelling basement where they were stored in wire mesh cages that were stacked, meaning excrement fell on top of dogs below, officials said.
Dogfighting paraphernalia--including a device for jaw-strengthening, animal hides used to foster a lust for blood in the dogs, and medicinal materials such as syringes and penicillin--also was found.
The man taken into custody also operated a Web site to sell dogs, Dart said. Sheriff's police believe the operation has been located at the home for about a year, Dart said.
The dogs were transported to Chicago Animal Care and Control, where they were treated for their injuries, said spokeswoman Anne Kent. It's undetermined what will happen to the dogs because they will be evidence in a criminal proceeding, she said. References |