Case Snapshot
Case ID: 7794
Classification: Theft, Fighting
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
More cases in Richmond City County, VA
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Animal was offleash or loose
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Saturday, Mar 11, 2006

County: Richmond City

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

A Richmond man believes his dog was stolen after slipping out of his yard and then used in dog fights. Ten days went by before he found his best friend. The pit bull had bite wounds on its head and neck and swelling around its face-- puncture wounds consistent with dog fighting. When the owner returned to his Jackson Ward home on March 11, 2006, it was clear that his five-year-old pit bull, Demona, had gotten out of his yard.

"I think she ran up to the first person she saw and she ran up to the wrong person," he said. He believes his pit bull was snatched from a street corner and used either as bait or a competitor for dog fighting. He posted fliers advertising a reward for her return in as many places as possible. Finally, he got a call. A man said he'd bought the purebred pit bull. The owner didn't ask any questions, but could tell that his pet had been hurt. "She's been fought, she's got lots of bites on her, one severely infected on her neck and head that has swollen her head almost twice the size," he said. "the animal control basically said if the infection had gone 12 more hours, she would have been dead."

Demona was rushed to the vet and should be okay, but the owner is warning other dog owners to beware of pet thieves and dog fighters. Richmond Animal Control officials say the department gets reports of animal cruelty and dog fighting and investigates every one with the help of city police. Henrico Animal Protection Lieutenant Shawn Sears isn't connected to the case and says there haven't been many dog fighting cases in the county in his recent memory, but warns pet owner to be careful.

References

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