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Case ID: 19096

Classification: Fighting, Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (pit-bull)

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Chained dogs seized from deplorable conditions
Biloxi, MS (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Dec 13, 2011
County: Harrison

Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 4 files available

Alleged: Thang Anh Le

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

WLOX obtained shocking photos of some of the pit bulls that were seized from a property in Biloxi Tuesday. The police chief said the pictures back-up his belief that the 26 pit bulls that were found by his officers were used for dog fighting.

Biloxi Veterinarian Dr. Lynne Sandifar said three of those dogs had to be put to sleep. She sent WLOX the disturbing pictures to show the severity of their injuries.

"This is the worst thing that I have ever seen in my life, not just as a veterinarian, but as a human being. I've never seen anything so bad," said Dr. Sandifar Wednesday.

The veterinarian was horrified when five pit bulls were brought into her clinic Tuesday.

"An animal control officer told me she was on her way with the dogs. She warned me three times: Do you think you can do this? This is really, really bad,'" Sandifar said.

One black dog was the worst.

"She had gangrene, down deep in the open wounds, and it smelled so horrendous that even one of the animal control officers couldn't stay in the room," said Sandifar. "Her face had so much infection and so much trauma from these bite wounds that it was falling off. And she shook her head, pieces of her flesh were flying off into the room and we could see the bone of the muzzle."

Dr. Sandifar said another dog had similar injuries and infections, along with a high fever. She said a third dog suffered from puncture wounds all over her face and body, and her right front leg was broken. All three pit bulls had to be put down.

"These dogs were being used to fight," said Sandifar. "These dogs that I saw were females and they were smaller. My suspicion would be that they were used as bait or training dogs and then discarded."

Two more dogs were brought to Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital Wednesday. Sandifar said one had holes around its neck and ears, maggots, and cuts around its thigh.

The staff has been giving the dogs names, like a brown one they call "Daisy".

"And you can see the lacerations on her leg, it's open. It's been healing on its own," said Sandifar. "She hasn't had a great life so far."

Meanwhile, the remaining 19 dogs are being housed at the Harrison County Farm. They are getting plenty of exercise, food, and water, along with 24-hour security. Dr. Sandifar wonders how someone could be so cruel to these animals. She is turning her anger into action.

"Oh, I'm so angry I'm ready to spit," said Sandifar. "I'm already getting t-shirts made up. I'm going to have these dogs pictures on it and I'm going to have printed on there: This is the real face of dog fighting."

Most of the pit bulls were found chained behind two vacant trailers off Hudson-Krohn Road. Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said he knows who owns the property. However, investigators are still trying to find out who is responsible for the animals. His department is also seeking legal possession of the dogs.

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