Chained dogs left to die in arson fires
Birmingham, AL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Sep 2, 2011
County: Jefferson

Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Birmingham-Jefferson Animal Control Friday night seized 14 pit bulls that law enforcement officials said were left to die in a blaze set in the woods off 1600 Block of Woodruff Mill Road.

According to Jefferson County Sheriff's officials, a call came in Friday night around 6:45 p.m. about a fire set in the woods. When firefighters and deputies arrived they found what appeared to be an illegal dog fighting and training compound. The 14 dogs were chained to the ground and surrounded by at least eight intentionally set fires. Deputies also found a treadmill on the property that was likely used in the training of the dogs, metal cages and food that the perpetrators likely ate before leaving the scene.

Sheriff's officials said fire and law enforcement used bolt cutters to free the dogs and carried them from the scene. Some of the dogs received minor burns to their paws and some of the dogs had cuts and scars from fighting.

Jefferson County Chief Deputy Randy Christian said it was obvious from the scene that whoever chained the dogs in the woods and set the fires was trying to cover the operation up.

"You know that's not who we are. It's despicable," Christian said. "Looks like they rode these poor dogs as far as they could and then just like cowards tried to destroy them. What kind of person does that? "

Phil Doster of BJC Animal Control said the dogs appear to be in good health and are not aggressive.

This now puts the BJC Animal control at around 60 animals under cruelty investigation. At this point, there is no word of any suspects or arrests.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
[email protected]
205-325-1450

Case Updates

References

« AL State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Jefferson County, AL

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