Dog-fighting - 32 dogs seized
Hookerton, NC (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009
County: Greene
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Christopher McKinney
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Authorities have uncovered what appears to have been a dog fighting operation in North Carolina.
Thirty pit bulls were transported to Wake County Wednesday, after Greene County animal control officers removed them from a home in Hookerton Tuesday. Greene County did not have the space to properly care for the animals.
One has been euthanized because of health reasons.
Christopher McKinney, 35, is charged with thirty-two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and seventeen counts of misdemeanor restraining dogs in a cruel manner.
Greene County animal control officers received noise complaints about constant barking coming from his residence in Hookerton.
When they arrived, they found dogs scattered throughout a wooded area. About half were chained, and there didn't appear to be food or water for the animals. Many had scars on their bodies.
Investigators say they also found ‘dog fighting materials' on the property.
Michael Williams, director of Animal Care, Control, and Adoption for Wake County, said the shelter handles any dogs that may have been trained to fight with special care.
"Historically, they are friendly towards people and aggressive towards other dogs," he said. "So of course, we keep them isolated. We have protective measures we take here so we provide a safe environment for our staff and the other animals."
Case UpdatesAnimal control officers have now charged a Greene County man with dog fighting.
According to reports, officers charged Christopher McKinney with felony torture and three counts of felony dog fighting. McKinney already faces a long list of other charges, including 32 counts of animal cruelty.
On September 29, Greene County Animal Control found about 30 pit bulls in McKinney’s backyard. The dogs are at the Wake County Animal Shelter. At least one has been euthanized. | Source: Eyewitnessnews9 - Oct 20, 2009
Update posted on Oct 26, 2009 - 5:16PM |
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