PSPCA officers break up dog fight in progress

Pennsylvania SPCA breaks up dog fight in progress, rescues 2 dogs at the scene, finds additional dog in suspect’s car

PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team, with the help of Philadelphia Police, make multiple arrests

Philadelphia, PA (March 11, 2018) – The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Team broke up a dog fight in progress on the 1200 block of South 35th Street in South Philadelphia late Saturday, March 10.

The PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team’s investigation led them to the location where they surveilled the property. Once it was clear that the location indeed was hosting a dogfight PSPCA requested back up assistance from Philadelphia Police to help stop the fight in progress. PSPCA Officers and Philadelphia Police officers entered the ring to break up the fight, rescue the dogs, and apprehend fourteen suspects. Once the scene was stable, a search warrant was secured. During the search drugs, two firearms, a large amount of cash and a wooden fighting ring with blood spatter were recovered from the scene.

The two pitbull type dogs actively fighting were transported to the PSPCA’s Erie Avenue headquarters where they were immediately rushed to the shelter hospital where veterinary staff began the long work of repairing the damage suffered. They are both in stable condition and will remain under the custody of the PSPCA until they are signed over by their owners, or the adjudication of their court case. Dog fighting crimes hold a felony charge.

Early Sunday morning, an additional search warrant was executed on a suspect’s vehicle. There, the PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement officers found an additional dog, wearing a weighted collar consistent with dog fighting, which was taken into custody.  While on location another dog was recovered from a vehicle. This dog appeared ill and was taken to the shelter for medical assessment and treatment.

“Cases like this remind us that while we may not always hear about it, dog fighting is still happening in the city of Philadelphia,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of the Humane Law Enforcement at the PSPCA. “Our team has boots on the ground 365 days a year, investigating cases like this, and working to bring those involved to justice. We are grateful to the Philadelphia Police Department for their assistance in this case, and will work to prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

The investigation is open and ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case, the whereabouts of those involved, or other cases of animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.

About the Pennsylvania SPCA

Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426-6300 or visit www.pspca.org