An Alabama man is in jail and animals are in safe hands after a massive dog-fighting ring was busted this past Sunday.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that there was a dog fighting going on a property and units went out to investigate. When deputies arrived, they observed a young child carrying an injured dog.
According to media outlet the AL, deputies went further onto the property and saw a dog-fighting ring and several animals, some injured. Police found 17 pit bulls, four of which had injuries consistent with dogfighting. Police arrested Reginald Antonio Dowdell, 42, and he was charged on Monday with felony dogfighting. Prosecutors have indicated that he may face an additional three dog fighting and as many as 16 animal cruelty charges. Investigators have recovered at least 11 dog skulls and body parts on the property.
Dogfighting has an ugly history in the United States and pit bulls are the favored breed of animals for this blood sport. In many cities across the United States, the American pit bull is considered an aggressive breed and laws have been enacted against the animals and dog owners. There are yearly accounts of horrific injuries to adults, children and other animals by this breed. However, some say the dogs are not vicious but may become so because of the way they are raised. Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick went to prison and damaged his career over his dog-fighting ring arrest.
