Case Details

Dog-fighting - 30 seized
Indianapolis, IN (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Dec 13, 2004
County: Marion
Local Map: available
Disposition: Convicted
Charges: Misdemeanor

Abuser/Suspect: Donald Thompson

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Case ID: 3403
Classification: Fighting
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
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Dozens of pit bulls were hauled off by animal control officers Monday night in what may be the largest dog fighting raid in Marion County history.

Some of the dogs were skittish, others were quick to bite at the officers -- not neccessarily because they're violent, but possibly because they're still trying to heal from injuries.

Jeff Bennett, the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control administrator, pointed out 30 impounded pit bulls one by one. Each one has its own violent past. Some have scars to prove it. One had one eye missing and another one had a left leg it couldn�t even stand on.

Investigators say the dogs weren't pets. They were trained at a house on the Indianapolis far eastside and used for dog fighting.

"It's just a shame that animals are treated this way and bred and treated this way solely for sport and perceived profit,� said Bennett.

Authorities also confiscated three treadmills that were modified so that a dog could be chained to it.

"I knew there was a lot of dogs over there. I didn't know exactly how many but you could hear them barking nonstop,� said neighbor Luann Watson.

Watson says she was nervous to let her children play outside.

�One was loose when were getting out of the car one day. And then he ran away and we could finally get out of the car and come in the house after he was gone.�

Some of the pit bulls barked, some appeared docile and there was even a pack of puppies.

Animal control confiscated 500 items in all. They found dog-fighting magazines, a large amount of animal medications and break sticks that are used to pull dogs apart.

Authorities do have a suspect and charges are pending in this case. Dog fighting can lead to felony charges and those could lead to jail time.

Case Updates

Donald Thompson pled guilty to the Class A misdemeanor of possession of animals for fighting contests. He was sentenced to 1 year probation requiring no contact with animals, dog-fighting paraphernalia, or other individuals found guilty of dog-fighting. He was also fined $500 and ordered to contribute $1000 to ACC. If he does not comply with the probation and fines, he will spend 180 days in the county jail.
Source: Indy Pit Crew
Update posted on May 16, 2007 - 12:22PM 
Police made an arrest Friday - Donald Thompson, 37, faces 14 D felony charges of promoting dogfighting after authorities said 30 of his pit bulls seized last week showed signs of injury and scarring.

Investigators believe Thompson may have conducted dogfights at his home in the 2900 block of Cumberland Road.

Police arrested Thompson after he went to the kennel to visit his dogs. Thompson's bond was set at $50,000
Source: The Indy Channel - Dec 17, 2004
Update posted on Dec 18, 2004 - 5:03PM 

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References

WISH-TV - Dec 14, 2004
The Indy Channel - Dec 14, 2004
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