Some 30 pit bulls, many with battle scars and other wounds, were taken from the backyard of Calvin Jerome Champion at 238 Maria Avenue, according to Captain Andy Jackson of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
Another dog seized.
Narcotics Agent Jamie Hardy said it was clear some of the dogs were used in fighting because paraphernalia such as penicillin, iodine and rehydration systems were found at the scene.
One puppy was found dead on top of a kennel and one mother was trying to chew through a chain link fence to get to her pups, he said. One dog’s ear was ripped and was just beginning to heal.
Hardy said it was unclear whether dog fights were occurring in the backyard but it was clear there was traffic, judging from the discovery of leftover plastic baggies, an indication people were smoking marijuana while watching or training the dogs.
The case may be linked to one in Weldon where the police department there, along with Alcohol Law Enforcement, is pursuing nuisance abatement at a house at 209 Ransome Circle.
Jackson said while the police department is pursuing dog fighting and cruelty charges, Champion has thus far been charged with tethering of dogs, rabies tags violation and not having a permit to keep three or more dogs.
Hardy said Halifax County Animal Control is assisting in the investigation.
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