Pit bulls, other pets stolen
Albany, GA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 7, 2005
County: Dougherty
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Willie Whitaker
» Justin Decembly
» Dearie Jones
» Monquez Bush
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Dougherty County Police suspect that dog fighting is on the upswing, because of a recent wave of pet thefts and injured animals.
One Dougherty County dog owner had nine of his pit bulls stolen, but he caught the thieves on surveillance video. Now Police hope you can identify these dog snatchers, and their animal killing sport.
Jerry Harris' pit bulls were stolen from his yard July 7th. "Those kennels right there had puppies in all those kennels right there. They been in my family over 25 years, I've been raising them," said Harris.
Harris' surveillance cameras record two men stealing seven pit bull puppies, ages 2 to 18 months, and two older dogs. Harris' dogs are friendly, and the men pet them before hauling them away. Three men come back two hours later and steal more dogs.
"Right now pit bulls are just something that kids are fascinated by. That's the trend right now, and they'll do whatever to get them," Harris said.
Harris denies knowing anything about dog fighting, but police suspect that the pit bulls will be trained to kill.
Albany Humane Society Executive Director Donna Strickland said, "There are a lot of juveniles in this area that are toying around with dog fighting. I'm sure it's a common practice in our area."
A number of other pets, besides pit bulls, have been reported stolen in recent months. Police believe dog fighters are using those pets to train the pit bulls to kill.
Police suspect this recent rash of pet thefts shows growing dog fighting activity around Albany.
Jerry Harris hopes someone can help him get his pit bulls back. "Something that you raised from a pup, somebody just come take it from you, you know that's a lot to worry about."
If you can help identify these dog thieves, call the Dougherty County Police or the Albany Humane Society. Albany Animal control officers say they receive reports of about 10 pit bull thefts a week.
Case UpdatesWALB News Ten viewers help Dougherty County Police arrest a group of dog thieves.
Nine pit bulls were stolen from the kennel behind Jerry Harris' house in South Dougherty County July 7th. Surveillance cameras videotaped the thieves taking the dogs.
The night WALB aired the surveillance photos, nearly a dozen people called police to say they recognized 19 year old Willie Whitaker as one of the thieves.
Investigators say when they questioned Whitaker, he had one of the pit bull puppies with him. Whitaker, Justin Decembly, and Dearie Jones are now charged with theft by taking. Only one of the 9 stolen dogs has been recovered.
Investigators are not sure if the pit bulls were stolen for dog fighting, or to sale. Now Police ask if anyone bought a dog from these men, to call. Dougherty County Police Sgt. J.C.Phillips said "We've always suspected dog fighting. You have to suspect it when it comes to pit bulls. We think they are bred for that in Albany, but it's a matter of catching them in the act."
Police are still looking for 23 year old Monquez Bush. Warrants have been taken for his arrest in the pit bull thefts. If you have any information on him, or bought pit bulls from any of this gang, please call Dougherty County Police. | Source: WALB - Aug 11, 2005
Update posted on Aug 13, 2005 - 2:00PM |
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