Pit-bull with 6lb weight on chain Ferriday, LA (US) Incident Date: Monday, Apr 11, 2005 County: Concordia Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Maurice J. Sheppard » Efaunte B. Morales

Case ID: 4380 Classification: Fighting Animal: dog (pit-bull) View more cases in LA (US) Login to Watch this Case

Two Ferriday men were arrested the week of April 11 after deputies saw them leading a pit bull terrier down Louisiana 568 with the six-pound weight around its neck. Maurice J. Sheppard, 25, of Georgia Ave., was charged with cruelty to an animal, possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute, resisting an officer and flight from an officer. His bond was set at $36,500.

Efaunte B. Morales, 19, 903 Delaware Ave., was charged with possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to distribute, resisting an officer and simple escape. His bond was set at $58,000.

Concordia Parish Sheriff Randy Maxwell said both suspects tried to elude officers, running across a field toward Clayton when they were stopped on the highway.

Smith said dog fighting is more common in the parish than some might think.

"It's really a problem in this area," she said. "There are organized fights."

Weights around a dog's neck mean the animal is being built-up and trained for fighting, Maxwell said.

"These animals are being abused by this training, and the dog-fighting itself is abusive and illegal," he said.

Dog fighting often involves illegal drug use and gambling, and weapons are also common at dog fights, Smith said.

What's more, abuse of animals can indicate abuse in other situations, Smith said.

"It indicates violence in the home," she said. "It's people acting out."

Anyone who sees an abused animal is encouraged to call the sheriff's department.

"Dog fighting is extremely cruel and sadistic, even though some people consider it a 'sport,'" Maxwell said. "I'm hoping that anyone who knows this is going on in their neighborhood or knows of someone involved will give us a call."

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The Natchez Democrat

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