Emaciated animals found at suspected Autauga County dog fighting site
AUTAUGA COUNTY ‒ The Autauga County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent dog fighting and breeding operation in a sparsely populated area the northwestern part of the county.
The squalid conditions were found Friday morning off Autauga County 22 near Plantersville.
More than 30 dogs were found in conditions that seasoned officers described as “heartbreaking,” tethered with large chains to iron bars driven in the ground, with plastic barrels for shelter. Most of the animals appeared to be emaciated and most had no access to food or water. One dog had a heavy weight attached to the chain that was attached to his collar.
There was an area where it appeared dogs were placed in ring to be fought or trained. There were also cages with rabbits and chickens on the property. Investigators suspect the animals may have been used as bait to get the dogs ready to fight.
Two by Two Rescue of Helena went to the site and took possession of the animals. Sonya King, the executive director, was checking with area animal shelters and vets to take the dogs and provide the necessary medical treatment.
“We’re not leaving anyone behind,” King said, pulling her cell phone from her ear for a few seconds before dialing another number.
One person was taken into custody and with charges pending, Sheriff Mark Harrell said. That person’s name was not released because charges had not been filed. As the investigation continues, more arrests may be coming, Harrell said.
Before becoming sheriff, Harrell worked as a K-9 officer with the Prattville Police Department.
“It’s hard to see dogs in these conditions,” Harrell said. "It’s not going to be tolerated in Autauga County.”
Most of the dogs appeared to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes. There were also a few hounds likely used for hunting. The sprawling area had a carousel where dogs were apparently tethered for training or conditioning, as well as home-made treadmills apparently used for the same purpose. Male dogs were separated from female dogs.
“We think it’s a fighting and breeding operation,” Harrell said.
Despite the tough conditions, many of the dogs wagged their tails when approached by investigators.
“They are sweet, until they get close to another dog, then they want to fight,” an investigator said. “It’s sad.”
Several hundred yards away from where the dogs were kept, dozens of animal bones were found in a wooded area. Investigators say the bones appeared to be canine bones. A carcass was still attached to a large diameter logging chain near the carousel.
Tips from the public lead to the investigation, the sheriff said.
"From there it was just good detective work," he said.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Emaciated animals found at suspected Autauga County dog fighting site
