Dog-fighting: 28 pitbulls
Belleville, MI (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jan 13, 2004
County: Wayne

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Matthew Benjamin Pepper

Romulus police charged Matthew Benjamin Pepper Wednesday with running a dog fighting operation. Police raided Pepper's Sumpter Township home on Jan. 13, where they reportedly found 28 pit bulls -- from puppies to adults -- and training equipment such as treadmills and whips in a barn outside, according to Local 4 reports.

Investigators say many of the dogs had been beaten.

Police also found a drawer full of medicine apparently used to heal the dogs' wounds after a fight; and several photos, including one of a dead pit bull and another of a severely scarred dog, Local 4 reported.

A local veterinarian donated time to check the health of the dogs, but Local 4 learned that because of the training and aggressive nature of the animals, most would have to be euthanized.

Pepper is expected to return to court next week when a judge will determine if he will stand trial on the charges.

References

• Click on Detroit (video)

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