Dog-fighting
Waco, TX (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 27, 2008
County: McLennan
Disposition: Not Charged
Abuser names unreleased
Police and animal control officers removed several animals at a home in South Waco suspected of being involved in fighting rings.
Waco officers say they got a call Sunday afternoon about possible animal cruelty and fighting and Monday morning they say they found evidence.
Waco PD and animal control removed about 8 roosters and 2 pitbulls from properties on Gurley Lane and Mildred Street after receiving calls from concerned citizens about dog and cock fighting.
"They found some dogs with injuries and some dead animals behind that residence and started an investigation on animal cruelty." Sergeant Melvin Roseborough with the Waco Police Department said.
The alleged fighting was taking place in a shed off Gurley Lane, which is red-tagged and the property owner says his neighbors living off Mildred Street are responsible.
"He wants to keep up my property, keep the grass mowed and everything, so he could leave his dog up here so nobody would come in, as a guard dog and what they were doing, I had no idea." Al Siddiq said. officials say cock fighting was taking place and the evidence is all over the room.
"The case is still under investigation, no charges have been filed, we're still trying to sort it all out but if anyone is found responsible for fighting dogs or roosters they're facing a state jail felony." Roseborough said.
That means up to ten years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine and if anyone is charged with making money off the fights through organized crime. "can step it up from a state jail felony, to a third degree felony." Roseborough said.
"People should know you can't do this in the city limits, and if they do it, they should pay the price." Siddiq said. Waco police say they deal with about a dozen animal cruelty cases each year. References« TX State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in McLennan County, TX
|
