Dog-fighting - 33 dogs seized
Bremen, GA (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 14, 2010
County: Polk
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Devecio Ranard Rowland
» Trince Andre Crews
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Two men will face multiple dog fighting and animal cruelty charges while two women will face drug charges, all resulting from a raid Wednesday at a dog-fighting training facility in Aragon.
Devecio Ranard Rowland, 25, of 569 Cashtown Road, Aragon, and Trince Andre Crews, 30, of 95 Pine Road, Rockmart, are each charged with 33 counts of dog fighting and 33 counts of cruelty to animals.
Those multiple counts stem from the discovery and seizure of 33 dogs, consisting of pit bulls and mixed-breed pit bulls, from the residence at 569 Cashtown Road.
The men are also each charged with marijuana possession and possession of a controlled substance.
Ciara Shantell Rowland, 23, and Becky Latonya Crawford, 47, both of 569 Cashtown Road, Aragon, are both charged with possession of a controlled substance and marijuana possession.
The raid was the result of an investigation prompted by a tip in February to an Atlanta private investigation firm, Norred & Associates. The firm has a 24-hour tip line and provides free services in criminal cases like this, according to an investigator with the firm.
Local authorities got involved in the investigation two weeks ago when all evidence gathered by Norred & Associates was turned over to the Polk County Police Department and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
Agencies assisting with the raid include Norred & Associates, the Polk County Police Department, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Animal Control and the Atlanta Humane Society.
Case UpdatesPuppies rescued from a major dogfighting operation in Polk County were almost ready to be adopted Tuesday. The puppies are among 27 dogs taken by authorities after the raid.
Authorities said the puppies were likely bred to be fighters, but they were taken to the Atlanta Humane Society where they will be sterilized, microchipped and monitored to determine if they can be adopted out.
"You have nature versus nurture. They're coming from a bad situation, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily going to exhibit that bad situation for the rest of their lives," said Miguel Abi-Hassan of the Atlanta Humane Society.
Last week police raided a home in Aragon. Four people were arrested and charged with operating a dogfighting operation and cruelty to animals.
The raid was made after a four month investigation by Norred and Associates, a private firm that helps law enforcement uncover dogfighting operations.
Chuck Simmons, of Norred and Associates, said it was a major operation where dogs were bred, trained, and fought on the property.
"We found a fighting pit on the property, two treadmills used to train the dogs, and spring poles to train dogs for fighting," said Simmons.
Some of the adult dogs were in such poor health, they didn't survive. Other dogs were given a clean bill of health both medically and behaviorally and could soon be ready for adoption.
The other adult dogs are being kept at an undisclosed location where they are being monitored.
"People are doing this for the money and the glory of having the best dog, and its wrong. We're going to do everything we can to end it in Georgia," said Simmons.
Humane Society officials said those adopting any of the puppies will be told about their background. The Humane Society will also do thorough interviews to make sure the dogs are going to the right home.
Norred and Associates has set up a hotline for tips about potential dog fighting operations. Anyone with information is asked to call 877-215-2250. | Source: myfoxatlanta.com - Jul 20, 2010
Update posted on Jul 22, 2010 - 3:01PM |
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