Chained dogs left to die in arson fires
Birmingham, AL (US)Incident Date: Friday, Sep 2, 2011
County: Jefferson
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Birmingham-Jefferson Animal Control Friday night seized 14 pit bulls that law enforcement officials said were left to die in a blaze set in the woods off 1600 Block of Woodruff Mill Road.
According to Jefferson County Sheriff's officials, a call came in Friday night around 6:45 p.m. about a fire set in the woods. When firefighters and deputies arrived they found what appeared to be an illegal dog fighting and training compound. The 14 dogs were chained to the ground and surrounded by at least eight intentionally set fires. Deputies also found a treadmill on the property that was likely used in the training of the dogs, metal cages and food that the perpetrators likely ate before leaving the scene.
Sheriff's officials said fire and law enforcement used bolt cutters to free the dogs and carried them from the scene. Some of the dogs received minor burns to their paws and some of the dogs had cuts and scars from fighting.
Jefferson County Chief Deputy Randy Christian said it was obvious from the scene that whoever chained the dogs in the woods and set the fires was trying to cover the operation up.
"You know that's not who we are. It's despicable," Christian said. "Looks like they rode these poor dogs as far as they could and then just like cowards tried to destroy them. What kind of person does that? "
Phil Doster of BJC Animal Control said the dogs appear to be in good health and are not aggressive.
This now puts the BJC Animal control at around 60 animals under cruelty investigation. At this point, there is no word of any suspects or arrests. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
sloandw@jccal.org
205-325-1450
Case UpdatesJefferson County Sheriff's Office sent out the following information:
An anonymous donor has come forward to post a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
About 7:00 pm on the evening of September 3, 2011 Deputies were called by the Shady Grove Fire Department to a woods fire in the3400 block of Woodruff Mill Road. Firefighters battling the blaze discovered 12 pit bull dogs chained with heavy chains and staked out on the wooded property. Eight individual fires were set around the dogs. Deputies and Firefighters used bolt cutters to cut the chains and carry the dogs to safety. Deputies noticed that several of the dogs had cuts and scars consistent with illegal dog fighting activities. BJC Animal Control came to the scene and took custody of the dogs. Inspection of the location revealed what appeared to be a clandestine dog fighting operation or training compound. There were metal cages and a tread mill used for training the dogs.
An anonymous donor contacted the Sheriff's Office and has posted a $5000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this animal cruelty case. If you have information please call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 205-325-1450 or contact our Animal Cruelty Investigator Deputy Dwight Sloan via email at sloandw@jccal.org. | Source: cbs42.com - Oct 13, 2011
Update posted on Oct 13, 2011 - 9:22PM |
References« AL State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Jefferson County, AL
|
