3MTA3
02-19-2010, 06:06 AM
http://media.wjbf.com/img-story/images/uploads/DOG_FIGHT_GRAPHIC.jpg
Investigators say they have busted up a big-time dog fighting ring in Washington County. The dogs were taken from a home on Ohoopee Church Road, in Washington County. That’s south of the city of Sandersville. WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop reports.
By Barclay Bishop | WJBF News Channel 6 Anchor/Reporter
Published: February 17, 2010
Updated: February 18, 2010
Sandersville, GA—The vet says the lives of these dogs consisted of no food or water, they were beaten, and living on 6 foot chains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dr. Robert Reisman, ASPCA: “Has an old injury to his left front leg that doesn’t allow him to use his leg at all.”
This is just one of 26 dogs that were saved Wednesday morning. Doctor Robert Reisman of the ASPCA, quick to give them care.
Dr. Reisman: “They’ve all been neglected to the point where if they’re not emaciated, they’re close to being emaciated, they were definitely not fed.”
Washington County Sheriff Thomas Smith says the dogs were found chained in the backyard of this trailer near Sandersville in Washington County, where 52 year-old Billy Taylor Jr. lived.
Sheriff Thomas Smith, Washington County Sheriff’s Office: “He did not pay any rent on his home, so long they could bring the dogs there.”
Sheriff Smith says the property was a dumping ground for fight dogs.
Sheriff Smith: “And then continuing the investigation, we found 26 or 27 dogs that were buried.”
Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director, Field Investigation Response Department: “Some of the dogs here had died here just as recently as a few days ago. Other dogs we’ve seen would have died within a few days. This was a terrible situation for these animals.”
Prior to Wednesday morning, the sheriff’s office contacted the ASPCA, and United Animal Nations. They set up an emergency kennel in a nearby store, preparing for the raid.
Janell Matthies, United Animal Nations, Emergency Services Manager: “I’m just thankful that we have them in our care, we’ll be able to rehabilitate them, get them healthier, get them much more comfortable, right away.”
When officials arrived on the scene, they say they knew they had a big case on their hand…but now these animals are safe. And all involved say they’ll make sure justice is served.
Sheriff Smith: “I’ve been sheriff for 14 years, and I was just amazed and also mad at the same time. Because, I can’t understand how anyone can do this to an animal. An innocent animal, being treated the way these dogs were treated.”
Rickey: “Tonight they’ll be in a warm environment with people that actually do care about them.”
Taylor is a convicted felon, and will be facing a whole slew of charges. The investigation is on going, and more arrests are expected. The dogs will be taken to be rehabilitated.
Video at Link:
http://www2.wjbf.com/jbf/news/state_regional/georgia/article/27_dogs_found_dead_25_injured_in_washington_county/59469/
Investigators say they have busted up a big-time dog fighting ring in Washington County. The dogs were taken from a home on Ohoopee Church Road, in Washington County. That’s south of the city of Sandersville. WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop reports.
By Barclay Bishop | WJBF News Channel 6 Anchor/Reporter
Published: February 17, 2010
Updated: February 18, 2010
Sandersville, GA—The vet says the lives of these dogs consisted of no food or water, they were beaten, and living on 6 foot chains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dr. Robert Reisman, ASPCA: “Has an old injury to his left front leg that doesn’t allow him to use his leg at all.”
This is just one of 26 dogs that were saved Wednesday morning. Doctor Robert Reisman of the ASPCA, quick to give them care.
Dr. Reisman: “They’ve all been neglected to the point where if they’re not emaciated, they’re close to being emaciated, they were definitely not fed.”
Washington County Sheriff Thomas Smith says the dogs were found chained in the backyard of this trailer near Sandersville in Washington County, where 52 year-old Billy Taylor Jr. lived.
Sheriff Thomas Smith, Washington County Sheriff’s Office: “He did not pay any rent on his home, so long they could bring the dogs there.”
Sheriff Smith says the property was a dumping ground for fight dogs.
Sheriff Smith: “And then continuing the investigation, we found 26 or 27 dogs that were buried.”
Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director, Field Investigation Response Department: “Some of the dogs here had died here just as recently as a few days ago. Other dogs we’ve seen would have died within a few days. This was a terrible situation for these animals.”
Prior to Wednesday morning, the sheriff’s office contacted the ASPCA, and United Animal Nations. They set up an emergency kennel in a nearby store, preparing for the raid.
Janell Matthies, United Animal Nations, Emergency Services Manager: “I’m just thankful that we have them in our care, we’ll be able to rehabilitate them, get them healthier, get them much more comfortable, right away.”
When officials arrived on the scene, they say they knew they had a big case on their hand…but now these animals are safe. And all involved say they’ll make sure justice is served.
Sheriff Smith: “I’ve been sheriff for 14 years, and I was just amazed and also mad at the same time. Because, I can’t understand how anyone can do this to an animal. An innocent animal, being treated the way these dogs were treated.”
Rickey: “Tonight they’ll be in a warm environment with people that actually do care about them.”
Taylor is a convicted felon, and will be facing a whole slew of charges. The investigation is on going, and more arrests are expected. The dogs will be taken to be rehabilitated.
Video at Link:
http://www2.wjbf.com/jbf/news/state_regional/georgia/article/27_dogs_found_dead_25_injured_in_washington_county/59469/