Dog-fighting - 19 dogs, drugs seized
Starke, FL (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jan 1, 2010
County: Bradford
Charges: Felony CTA, Felony Non-CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 4 files available
Alleged: Luise Enrique Martinez
An investigation into alleged drug sales in Starke led to the discovery of an apparent handler for fighting dogs.
Luise Enrique Martinez, 19, was arrested Friday on charges of fighting or baiting animals, felony possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was arrested by members of the Bradford Union Starke Task force to Eradicate Drugs, also known as BUSTED.
Task force member Richard M. Crews of the Starke Police Department said the animals were found while a search warrant was being served at Martinez's home, at 408 Wall St. in Starke. After finding 176 grams of packaged marijuana in a bedroom, task force members found 19 dogs in the back of the home. Crews said the dogs were chained or tied, appeared underfed and bore scars and other signs indicative of dogs that had been used to fight each other.
Task force spokesman Capt. Brad Smith of the Bradford County Sheriff's Office said the dogs were taken to a veterinarian for treatment and evaluation.
"Only the fighting pit-bulls were euthanized at this point due to being overly aggressive/unadoptable," Smith told The Sun in an e-mail. "The others will be adopted out if they are cleared by the vet. Some have heart worms and genetic issues that may need to be euthanized."
Smith provided the following update on the animals: five bulldogs apparently used for fighting were euthanized; four bulldogs need rehabilitation; a hound and cur mixed-breed dog that may have been used to bait other dogs needs rehabilitation; two bulldog puppies were placed in foster care and appear adoptable; two small, mixed breed dogs were considered adoptable; and five small dogs with special needs were still being evaluated.
Martinez posted bond and was released from the jail Sunday to await trail on the charges. References« FL State Animal Cruelty Map
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