Dog-fighting - 17 dogs seized London, MI (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Sep 25, 2005 County: Monroe Local Map: available Disposition: Not Charged Persons of Interest: » Cedric Miller » Royce Orlando Funches - Acquitted » Harriet Crawford Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 5604 Classification: Fighting, Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (pit-bull) View more cases in MI (US) Login to Watch this Case

Animal cruelty investigators in Monroe County have seized 17 pit bulls. Officials say the dogs were abused and may have been part of a large dog-fighting operation.

The pits were taken on the evening of Sunday, Sept 25 behind a home on Plank Road in London Township. Tucked away in wooded backyard are a bunch of blue, 35-gallon plastic barrels. Animal cruelty investigators say the barrels were homes for 17 pit bulls.

Acting on a tip, agents found the dogs that Sunday in rainy and muddy conditions. "That wasn't even anchored to the ground in order for the dog to get into it with the wet and the mud. The barrels were moving around. The dogs couldn't even get in. When they did get in, they could hardly turn around," said Linda Benson of the Monroe County Animal Control.

All of the dogs were confiscated and are now staying in kennels as possible evidence. Detectives say scarring and bite marks could be indicators of illegal dog-fighting.

Agents also found treadmills, weighted collars and medications which may have been used to train the pit bulls. "The various items that we observed there made the whole situation questionable," said Benson.

But Harriet Crawford, who has been caring for the dogs while the owner is in prison, says there were no injuries on the pit bulls until after animal control took them away.

"They're lying. There was no proof of no dog fights. When they took those dogs from here, there wasn't a mark on them and I wish I had the pictures to show you. If I would have known any of this was going to happen, I would have taken a picture of every last one of them," said Crawford.

Crawford also says she gave the dogs rice, potatoes, dog food and water every day for the past two weeks. She admits the barrels are not ideal for the dogs, but it was the best she could do.

"Well, that's all we could do, you know, we bought houses for them. We was trying to get more, but like I said, it's coming out of our pocket and I know I don't look rich, not at all, but I do care for the animals ... I do," said Crawford.

Monroe County detectives, along with Animal Control, continue to investigate. Charges are pending.

Crawford moved out of that Monroe County home today. Michigan law requires licenses for all dogs older than four months. None of the dogs seized on Sunday had a license.

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References

	WTOL-TV - Sept 26, 2005
	Detroit Free Press - Sept 27, 2005
	- November 11, 2005

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