Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dogs stolen

Dogs stolen
Lake Charles, LA (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Aug 21, 2006
County: Calcasieu
Local Map: available
Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 9531

Classification: Theft, Fighting

Animal: dog (non pit-bull), dog (pit-bull)

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In just two days Calcasieu Animal Control has had three or four complaints of dogs being stolen and it is believed that they are being taken for use in dog fighting. Animal Control spokesman David Marcantel says some dogs are stolen to fight by "mostly street fighters" while other dogs taken are used to train fighting dogs. And Marcantel says a ring is operating in Calcasieu Parish involving the theft of household pets used in connection with dogfighting.

One theft victim, Courtney Manning, is speaking out in hopes of finding her dog alive. Manning says close to 30 dogs, mostly pit bulls, but others too, have been stolen just over the past couple of weeks from here area in Lake Charles. "Like from Friday to Sunday there were about 30 dogs taken that I'm aware of. Everybody's scared to speak up, but I'm not," said Manning.

Her pit bull, named Chyna, was taken from a fenced yard. Manning said that the dogs collar and tags were thrown out of her sight. She is convinced that her dog is to be used for dog fighting which could prove fatal. "These dogs mean too much to too many people to do this and these dogs are worth a whole lot of money. I am pretty sure that's what people are doing, taking. . .whoever is taking these dogs to fight, its not fair. And I know that is the only reason people would take them," said Manning. Dogfighting is a felony.

Manning credits Chyna with saving the life of her infant daughter who suffers seizures. "If it wouldn't be for her, my little girl probably wouldn't be here. I was in the bathtub and my little girl was having a seizure, and my dog was barking, and needless to say she let me know something was wrong with her."

And while losing Chyna any way would be painful, Manning is especially heart broken that her dog may be treated with such cruelty. "Bait dogs are basically where they train another pit to attack. That's how they train them to fight, use other dogs as basically. . .chew toys, that's what they are. That's what I am scared going to happen to her because she won't fight, I know she wouldn't," said Manning.

Manning's neighborhood is not the only one falling prey to the theft ring. Marcantel, with Calcasieu Animal Control, says the thefts are occurring all around the parish-- and that while most of the animals stolen are pit bull dogs and some Rottweilers, all breeds and even cats are at risk too, because they can be used for training. Marcantel says any household pet that can be used to "reward" a fighting dog is at risk.

For now, Manning is determined to protect her puppy Ming and warn other pet owners. Marcantell Control says if you care about your pet, keep an eye on it and watch out for people you don't recognize in your neighborhood...it could save your pets life.

Anyone with information that could help solve animal theft cases can contact Animal Control at 721-3730 or call the Calcasieu Sheriff's Department.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Animal Control
721-3730

Case Updates

Courtney Manning never thought she'd see her pit bull, Chyna, again. The reunion at Calcasieu Animal Control was joyous and emotional for Courtney and her daughters. The dog was found wandering off 21st Street in Lake Charles and officials say wounds on her suggest it's likely she was stolen by those involved in dog fighting. Says Manning, "I'm sure they're from another dog. I'm almost positive that's what they're from, another dog. She was fighting another dog, I'm pretty sure. That's what it looks like."

Calcasieu Animal Control Director Diana Morales says, "She looks like she's been fought or was put in a pen with other aggressive dogs that got to her and that's probably how she got the puncture wounds to her back. She's limping on her back leg and her front leg has some puncture marks."

Morales says the world of dog fighting is hard to penetrate and that they need the public's help. "Dog fighting--a lot of the people are very secretive. Most of the, it's an underground sport, so-called sport that goes on. They do it at night, they do it in the woods." Officials say a ring is operating involving thefts of household pets...mostly pit bulls but that other animals can be used for training. "Dog fighting is really horrible in our community. Kids are stealing them, adults are stealing them and training pit bulls and using them to fight or just breeding it to sell the puppies."

Courtney is convinced whoever took Chyna got scared. "I think somebody got scared and let her go because they saw I wasn't playing and I'm not playing." Chyna will now be getting a micro-chip. "Get them a micro-chip, lock them up. Do whatever you can when you have to leave so they don't come up missing."

Though Chyna needs to be seen by a vet she is expected to recover so she can get back to important things like reading books with her family, but animal control officials admit few owners of missing pets can expect such a happy ending.

Just as we were wrapping up that story at animal control another family, from the Vinton area, came in to report their pit bull named "Beau" stolen from the backyard. If you've seen Beau let us know or call Calcasieu Animal Control at 721-3730. Officials again urge pet owners not to leave household pets alone where they could be stolen.

Source: KPLC - Aug 25, 2006
Update posted on Aug 31, 2006 - 3:45PM

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KPLC - Aug 23, 2006

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Dogs stolenLake Charles, LA (US)

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Dogs stolen
Lake Charles, LA (US)