Dogfighting bust in Wilson NC

Sunday, March 28, 2010 11:49 PM  
This is just bad'  
Vet rushes to save dogs; 5 charged with dog fighting  
By Gina Childress | Times Staff Writer  


The young, female pit bull was sedated so the veterinarian could repair numerous bite wounds sustained, officials said, in a bloody dog fight in Lucama. She was one of five dogs surrendered to Animal Enforcement officers after they received a report of a possible dog fight in progress Sunday morning. She didn't survive. 


Richard Wayne Pearson, 41, of 6465 Alton Road, Lucama; James Milton Wade, 38, of 1194 Browntown Road, Snow Hill; Tony Maurice Hall, 34, of 1225 Fred Harrison Road, Snow Hill; Keefe Decarlos Mchail, 37, of 1924 Edwin Drive, Raleigh and Jerontae Jenair Johnson, 29, of 168 School Street, Pantego were all arrested and charged with dog fighting.  


Frantic scene EC VETS (East Carolina Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services) in Wilson became a frantic scene as animal enforcement officers brought in each dog. Dr. Jennifer Hummel first evaluated, then treated each pit bull. Hummel was especially concerned with the female who was almost took weak to walk on its own. She also needed stitches to repair the damage. Based on her condition, the vet determined this wasn't the first time the dog had been involved in a fight. There were a lot of old scars along with new wounds," she said. "There was also some blood in her urine, which means she probably had some internal injuries as well." Hummel, along with two assistants, worked to clean the female's wounds and provide immediate medical treatment. But in the end, the dog was just too weak to survive her injuries. She never awoke from the anesthesia.  


Four dogs survive  


Hummel said the other four dogs were expected to recover from their injuries. They will be housed at the animal shelter until arrangements can be made for their placement, officials said. 


This is just bad," said Major Mickey Wilson, head of the Animal Enforcement Division of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, who assisted in the investigation. Wilson said they were tipped off by a passing motorist who saw a group of vehicles at a horse stable and heard dog barking coming from the building. Deputy E. Smith was dispatched to the Alton Road residence of Richard "Ricky" Pearson," Wilson said. 


"When he arrived, he did not see anything. But as he was leaving, he saw the cars across the street at the (horse) stable, heard the barking and went to investigate. Pearson owns and operates a pit bull kennel on his property, according to the sheriff's office.  


At one time, Wilson said Pearson had over 50 dogs, but has since downsized his operation. Ricky's place is very clean," Wilson said. "We check it randomly and have never had to cite him for any kennel violations. Wilson said when Smith arrived at the horse stable, also owned by Pearson, he was greeted by five men attempting to leave. He said Smith could see some of the dogs had fresh puncture wounds and were bleeding. He also noticed scars from previous injuries. "One of the dogs was even being transported in the trunk of a car," Wilson said. "A lot of times dogs that are being fought are placed in the trunk of a car to be transported so they won't be noticed by law enforcement. 

 When questioned, the men said they weren't fighting the dogs; they were trying to breed them. When Deputy Smith looked at the dogs he could see all of the wounds and inquired about them. He was told they were trying to breed the dogs when they got into a fight," Wilson said. It is not uncommon for pit bulls to fight when they are being bred, Wilson said. So, in an effort to confirm the men's account, officials called for medical assistance. Hummel performed blood work on the two female dogs and determined neither was in heat. 

 Once that determination was made, we took all of the suspects in custody and charged them," Wilson said. Pearson, Mchail, Hall and Wade were all charged with one count of felony dog fighting and one count of felony cruelty to animals. 

They were placed in the Wilson County Jail under a $5,000 secured bond. Johnson, accused of transporting a dog in his trunk, was given an additional charge of attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. He was placed in jail under a $7,500 secured bond. 

As of late Sunday afternoon, all were still in custody. The five men are scheduled to make their first appearances in court this morning at 9.

Heartworm treatment for Mama/Deva Dog

Freedom

Her first day in a fenced yard enjoying the freedom.  She gets lots of attention with those gold eyes.

Tricolors are not unusual in the APBT/AST breeds but are disqualifications for showing and discouraged. They are not rare, just not often seen. She won't be ready for a home until late April/May and we will continuously update her pictures as her body gets back in shape. She's gonna be gorgeous! She's got a nice personality, she's "just a real good dog". Very mild mannered, eager to please, makes good eye contact, tends to worry about pleasing and making sure she's doing the right thing. Really loves to take off in a pit bull joyous butt tucked run, so happy to be off a chain and in a fenced yard. Her ears were left natural and they are a really nice half prick/rose shape and are very expressive. Beautiful gold eyes. Soft dog, accepts all handling and grooming, even the not so comfortable stuff.

She's a dominant female, a little large for a girl in this breed at about 55 lbs. She's got longer legs but is well proportioned. Love to eat so she will need someone to watch her figure. Doesn't mind giving up her treats or bones to her foster mom. She is fairly mild with other pets and likes to play with her male dog foster brother. She and her foster sister do not spend much time together, as both dominant females, they give each other a wide berth.

Being picked up in Roanoke Rapids. Thank you Wilson Co HS for pulling her and getting her vaccinated and ready for transport.

Welcome Diamond to Rescue

We will be changing her name but Diamond was seized from her owner and she has been a neglected dog. She is a really sweet dog though and we are happy to be able to provide her with a second chance.

This wonderful dog has suffered in her short life and we are hoping to get her in touch with her inner goddess. In her last home she was chained out in the elements and bred every heat. She has produced 4 litters of puppies in her two years she's been alive. Poor girl is a little out of shape but we have put her on an exercise program and had her spayed so her skirts will draw up and she will be back in glorious condition. She is a striking dog with very alert posture.

Congrats to Sacchi

Congratulations to Sacchi for finding her new home this weekend. After 5 months in foster care, our little three legged girl has found a place to call her own. Complete with an American Bulldog brother and a little girl to love.

21 dogs seized at North Richmond home | Richmond Times-Dispatch

21 dogs seized at North Richmond home | Richmond Times-Dispatch

Skye is gone

Sadly, Skye had a seizure and passed away tonight. She was 10 weeks old/10lbs and had been doing so well. The vet thought that her initial hydro diagnosis may have been a mistake. She was active and happy in her last few weeks. The trouble with backyard breeders is that they don't care who gets hurt in their quest for money.  She deserved much better than the few weeks of life she got.

An Adoptable Dog Profile - Sacchi

Sacchi (aka SOX) is our sweet little three legged puppy. She didn't start out on three, but four. She was found injured in Petersburg VA and her leg was too badly broken to be saved. It had to be amputated when she was three and a half months old.  She's now 7 months old as of 1/25/10 and about 35 lbs. She's 17.5-18" at the top of her shoulder and very petite in bone structure. She will not weigh more than 40 lbs.  She has a pretty face.

What a wonderful little wiggle monster. Her tail is always going and with only one back leg, she kind of pivots like crazy.  She's such a happy girl!  She's getting comfortable in her own skin and adjusting to a body with only three legs. It doesn't seem to bother her at all or slow her down.  She can be a little clumsy in snow or on ice or rushing down stairs.   She is very people focused and accepts correction well. She's submissive with people but leans a little on the dominant side with other dogs.  She interacts well with both males and females (dogs) provided they are appropriate and polite. She doesn't like to be crowded or pawed at by other dogs - it may push her off balance and on the defensive. She seems to get along better with older dogs or those dogs that are less interested boisterous play.  She seems to have a moderate exercise requirement - one nice walk a day is just about all she needs.  She loves to cuddle with her foster brother Riley and snuggle in a cuddler bed together.

She cat tests as "Okay".  Her original cat test was done with a cat that was unfamiliar with dogs and she will chase a cat that is afraid and runs.  When her cat testing was done (dogsitting for several hours in a home with dog sensitized cats) with adult cats who are familiar with dogs - she did great.  She appears to be little afraid of the cats and not quite sure what to do with them. She appears curious but not so curious as to risk getting close.  When the cat makes eye contact, she turns her head to look the other way.  Expresses interest from across the room but not up close, this may change with age or as she becomes more comfortable exploring what they are.  A home with young cats/kittens that wrestle and dash around may be too stimulating unless she received further training.  She could certainly live in a home with a cat that was used to the presence of dogs but perhaps not the best choice for a home with a cat with no dog experience.  She's very treat focused so additional cat training should be fairly easy.

The only problems she experiences with other dogs are when meeting rude dogs. She does not appreciate unfamiliar dogs that crowd her or rush her, putting their paws on her back, trying to hump - she will not put up with that - as no dog should have to to be honest. So, going to the dogpark is not recommended (but it is not recommended with many dogs). She will not start trouble but she will not allow herself to be picked on or bullied by another dog.

The only thing quirky to notice with her is that she does not appear to be sensitized to "suburban" noises. People banging their trash seems to startle her and she is fascinated by the squirrels. But she's grown up during the winter and there hasn't been much opportunity for "city noises" in her socialization as of yet.

Anyone with access to Facebook can look up a photo album on ASCPBR's facebook page. There are also other video links.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annabelles-Second-Chance/115240381202

She dreams on four legs which is funny, her stump will twitch and run right along with the other one. She's one sweet little puppy and would make a great pet.  We will place her in a home with a dog appropriate cat and/or a male dog or as a single pet.

Animal Planet

Animal Planet Investigates: Dog Fighting

Attention, animal lovers! Tune in to Animal Planet on Monday, January 25, at 10:00 P.M. (ET/PT) for the world premiere of a documentary about organized dog fighting. In this special edition of Animal Planet Investigates, two undercover agents take you deep inside the disturbing subculture of dog fighting's hardcore criminals and their four-legged victims. Using undercover and investigative footage, the show examines specific cases in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Michigan and New York to demonstrate the diversity and depravity of this cruel blood sport.

Two of the ASPCA's experts in animal cruelty, Dr. Melinda Merck and Dr. Randall Lockwood, who were instrumental in the conviction of a certain high profile dog fighter—NFL quarterback Michael Vick—are also featured in the show. Dr. Merck joined the ASPCA in 2007 as a forensic veterinarian, and now serves as Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics in Anti-Cruelty. She frequently testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases across the country. Dr. Lockwood is currently Senior Vice President of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Field Services. For more than 25 years, he has worked with humane societies and law-enforcement agencies, serving as an expert on the interactions between people and animals. He has testified in numerous trials involving cruelty to animals, including dog fighting, child abuse, domestic violence and homicide.

Dog fighting is now banned throughout the United States—in fact, it is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Those convicted of federal animal fighting charges face up to five years in prison. For more information about dog fighting, please visit ASPCA.org, and don't forget to tune in to Animal Planet on Monday night!

PIT BOSS : Programs : Animal Planet : Discovery Press Web

PIT BOSS : Programs : Animal Planet : Discovery Press Web

Memorable Shorty quote: "If we can save one pit bull, that's good, but if we can save one person from breeding pit bulls, that's even better."

Congratulations Leo

Congratulations Leo on getting a new home. We know you will be successful in your new life. A sweet dog deserving of a fresh start.

Angus - RIP

Very sad to hear that Angus, a former ASC alum has passed away from heart disease brought on by an enlarged heart. He had five wonderful years with his adoptive dad Corey in North Eastern NC. Thank you for providing this dog with a second chance. Rest in Peace sweet boy.

Looking back over 2009

2009 has come and gone, another year in pit bull rescue. Though there seem to be more and more people who are becoming sympathetic with the true victims, adoptions are slow. This breed has not seen the light at the end of the tunnel. That doesn't seem to stop the backyard breeders from creating more and more and MORE litters. Pit bulls are still one of the most popular breeds and the most abused dogs. Please take a break for the sake of the dogs! In this economy, everyone is trying to save money and make money and the people using the dogs are getting worse. The surplus just dropped at the shelter for the city or county to dispose of. People are having to tighten their belts and it is sadly the dogs that are the first to go. Instead of trying to find a lower cost dog food and cut corners to keep their pets, people are just getting giving up. Knowing that there are not enough homes, most of these pets don't get a second chance.

Don't breed or buy, rescue a shelter dog. There is no shortage of puppies, American Bullies, Merle pit mixes or blue dogs in the shelter. On any given day you can walk into a shelter and find the purebred pit bull of your choice.

A special THANK YOU goes out to those who still took time to donate and consider rescue in this economy. The dogs thank you and we thank you. Your generosity means a great deal. Without your support we would not have been able to save Sunshine or Brianna's leg or treat Frank's laundry list of medical questions or amputate Sacchi's leg so she could have a second chance at life. What a year! a hairless dog, two broken legs, two amputations (Sacchi's still searching for a home), another blind puppy (Skye is still for adoption) and a senior (Brutus, who needs a nice retirement). Consider making 2010 a wonderful year for a rescued bully.

To all of you who have helped this year in any way, THANK YOU for all that you have done for the dogs. We couldn't do it with out you. Thank you donors, adopters, foster homes and those who just have a kind word.

Taking some time away to recharge

ASC is no longer accepting dogs into it's adoption program, our resources are too limited, we may re-open in the middle of 2010 but right now our responsibility remains to adopt out our current available dogs and we will not be taking in any more. We have no additional foster homes and the few that we have are too strained to continue. If we can find additional foster homes and people who want to help out, we can continue but right now we are too far strained to be able to take on more dogs.

HOTLINE for Puppy Mills

The hotline, 1-877-MILL-TIP, is available to anyone with information of a possible crime involving puppy mills – but particularly welcomes information from those with "insider" knowledge, or from law enforcement officials who might be aware of such operations.

All I want for Christmas!

Sacchi has healed up nicely and just needs a home for the holidays. She is all better, sutures out, off antibiotics and learning to co-habitate with other dogs without being afraid of them. She snuggles with her foster brother in a dog bed. She is a low key puppy who would prefer to lay around and snuggle. She deserves a home for the holidays and has asked Santa for a family for Christmas. She says Thank YOU to Marti for donating so that her leg could come off and she get a second chance. She says a leg is a small price to pay to keep her life.

Stella

Stella's a good girl. She's a sweet adult dog who got down on her luck and homeless in Wilson NC and managed to make things swing in her favor until she got to a rescue. She has been spayed, fully vetted, including crate training, housebreaking and microchipped. She is heartworm negative and on prevention. She's about two years old and between 45-50 lbs.

She is good with other dogs, loves to play and mingle with other doggie pals. She likes to wrestle hard but if another dog doesn't want to, she's willing to back off and go do something else. She would like a home with a playmate that can keep up with her or an owner who would be willing to socialize her with other dogs (provided the other dogs are well mannered and friendly). She gets along with cats but sometimes likes to give them "the eye" when they rush by in the middle of play.

She doesn't like her crate but she's become crate trained and accepts it with grace and goes in when asked. She would prefer to be inside in a crate during the day than outside alone in the backyard. In fact she doesn't want to be outside alone at all and will sit as close to the glass peering in hoping to get to come inside. She goes right to her crate to sleep at night in her foster home but would really like to have a doggie bed beside the bed of her new owner.

She loves chew toys, filled bones, knuckle bones (sterliized the best) and any pigs ear, bully sticks she can get. She can dismantle a black kong into pieces and put a hurting on the "pit bull tough" black nyla bone. She prefers the "natural" chews but will take anything that's shaped like a bone or filled with a treat. Loves "beggin bacon" treats. She's a smart girl, eager to please and food motivated. She would enjoy a positive training class with a new owner. She walks
nicely on leash and only needs a gentle reminder not to pull. She's a very soft submissive dog and verbal correction is all that is needed to modify behavior.

She would like a couple of walks a day or some romp time with a doggie pal. She has moderate exercise needs for a young bully but if she doesn't get some exercise time she may nibble on her bed while you are gone during the day.

She's a snuggler and a needy girl, always ready to get and give affection and would prefer curling up in a lap to eating any day. She is a bit of a chicken and avoids scary things if she can but is happy to meet new people every day. She is all wiggles and waggs when she makes a new friend.

THANK YOU

Thank you to those who have taken time to donate this year, your generosity means a great deal. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and the dogs thank you. Without your support we would not have been able to save those dogs with serious medical problems this year:
Frank, Sunshine, Brianna, and Sacchi

Foster homes desperately needed

They are desperately needed all of the time but in today's economy, there are even more homeless dogs and more dogs being turned out every day. We are such a small program that we are unable to help as many as we would like without many qualified foster homes. If you would like to foster a dog, we would be happy to find you a dog that matches your home to make fostering as easy as possible.