The results of a two-year-long federal drug investigation in Pasquotank County, N.C., turned up not only drugs but something equally insidious in terms of animal rights abuses.
Station WAVY reports that investigators exposed a massive dogfighting ring that led to the seizure of 80 dogs that had been used in the insidious blood sport. Two arrests were made.
The investigation began on Feb. 5 when authorities executed four federal search warrants on properties owned by Desmond White, 35, and Maurice Baum, 37. During the investigation, officials uncovered a large amount of evidence — including one dead pit bull and another that was severely injured — that suggested the presence of dogfighting.
This in turn led to the issue of more warrants and the seizure of dozens of dogs. Sheriff Randy Cartwright, who was involved in the investigation, told reporters, "I've been in law enforcement 28 years now and I've never see anything [like this]."
By “this,” he was referring not only to the deplorable conditions in which the animals were kept but to the paraphernalia uncovered. Police found and seized treadmills, leather dog restraints, cages, heavy duty exercise chains, drugs meant to dope the dogs, heat lamps, and a book on how to train pit bulls to fight.
Then of course there were the dogs themselves. Said Cartwright:
It's a tough situation. A lot of them have broken bones, hips messed up or skulls cracked, but they save them because they are good for breeding.
Removing these animals and putting a stop to such cruelty goes even further to maintaining a safer community and protecting the dogs and public. This was a very large operation reaching across many state lines, effects several people and communities.
Both suspects were charged in connection with federal drug violations. Charges related to the dog fighting operation are pending. Both men remain incarcerated without bond on the drug charges.
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