Dog-fighting - 18 dogs seized, one dead
Memphis, TN (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Oct 4, 2009
County: Shelby
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Ozell Poag, Jr.
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Police have arrested one man in connection with an animal fighting ring in southwest Memphis. 27 year old Ozell Poag, Jr. was one of several people at a dog fight early Sunday morning in the 1300 block of Longcrest.
When officers arrived on the scene, about 20 people scattered and ran. Poag who lives at the home was taken into custody. Officers also found one dead dog and 4 other dogs. Investigators found a fighting pit inside a shed on the property as well as dog fighting and training materials. They also found another dead dog in the yard and 13 additional dogs on the property. They also found a loaded handgun in the house.
Poag is charged with animal fighting and convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Police say Poag was already out on bond for aggravated burglary.
Case UpdatesAs man accused fighting dogs makes his first court appearance, the injured animals await their fate at the animal shelter.
Police busted a southwest Memphis early Sunday morning. They arrested Ozell Poag, Jr. but are searching for several others. Authorities say it's a dangerous cycle of criminal behavior that goes beyond dogs.
Neighbors say they suspected dog fighting for as many as three months before police made the bust. Experts say it could have ended on day one. Six grown pit bulls and three puppies were found chained in the back of this house and they found a pit that was fresh with blood. Even the puppies show signs of early fight-training.
Poag was charged with dog fighting -- a crime Beverly King helped make a felony nearly 30 years ago. Since then, despite the stiffer law, she says the problem has grown because many are too scared to come forward.
"A lot of them feel like, 'Well, it's just an animal, there are more important things out there like murders'. But they don't realize what's all involved," says King. "You have illegal gambling going on, plus the cruelty to animals and then in some big dog fights you have prostitution going on. So, there are a lot of elements involved in dog fighting."
Poag is a prime example. He's a convicted felon who cops found armed with a gun. King says police have made great strides, but it's not enough. Neighbors need to call police.
As incentive the Humane Society of the United States offers up to $5,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of dog-fighters.
"People should go on and call this in. This is against the law and it's a felony. Until more people are taken to court and found guilty of dog-fighting, this is going to continue," says King. | Source: WREG.com - Oct 6, 2009
Update posted on Oct 6, 2009 - 10:53PM |
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