Dog-fighting - 27 emaciated dogs seized
Pacific Junction, IA (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Jun 4, 2010
County: Mills

Disposition: Not Charged

Abuser names unreleased

27 dogs just rescued late last week- for some it's too late. Dozens of dogs were found in an area of Mills County, Iowa just south of Glenwood. The Pit Bulls all with teeth filed off and infested with parasites. Some suffering open wounds on backs of legs from being tied down and bred repeatedly.

Pit Bulls cower in corners. Some just skin and bones. One even branded on his back leg. "Every single one of them has some health issue going on," says Kelly Nutter. She is one of many including the Mills County Sheriff to rescue the Pit Bulls from a tiny piece of property near Pacific Junction in Iowa.

"One dog showed aggression, rest were fearful and frightened," explains Nutter. While snapping over one-hundred photos, Nutter didn't find any food. "There was hardly any feces around, I assume the dogs were probably eating their own feces," she says. Action 3 News' Liz Dorland clarifies her statement, "Are you suggesting that they were eating it because they didn't have any other food?" Nutter replies, "They didn't have any other food yep." Nutter doesn't know why the owner would chain up the dogs, but has a theory saying "I think it was basically they were breeding these pit bulls to possibly fund and add more dogs to a fighting ring."

Every single Pit Bull was confined in to the property with half-inch heavy metal chain. To keep them there, the owner buried the chain attached to a car axle.

Action 3 News learns the property is linked to an Omaha man. A man with a record of several animal violations in Douglas County. At this point, he's not charged for anything. However, Mills County Sheriff is investigating him for possible wrong doing. Dorland spoke with his mother in Omaha who claims he "loves dogs". She also confirms he is buying the land where the dogs were rescued.

The Pit Bulls are still fighting for their lives but appreciative. Nutter says, "A blanket and a toy and a meal means a lot to them."

If Mills County finds animal neglect the man will face misdemeanor charges. It is a felony if they link him to dog fighting. Loess Hills Humane Society needs your help in food, blanket and toy donations. To help, call 712-527-0753.

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