MI: Two arrested after police find evidence of dog fighting in Battle Creek

by Logan Crawford

Wednesday, July 13th 2016

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Two men were arrested after police say they found evidence of dog fighting at a Battle Creek home.

Battle Creek Police say the dogs had bites and scratches, and one even had two broken front legs. Police were forced to carry it out on a stretcher.

After obtaining a search warrant to look for narcotics in a house on Battle Creek Avenue, police say they found dog fighting equipment and half a dozen dogs chained in the backyard.

"It's sad that people can do that. I have three dogs of my own too on top of it, and it's just not what I want to do. The worst thing you can do to an animal. You haven't got time for them, let them go somewhere else don't fight them," said neighbor Stephanie Woodworth.

She lives across the street from the house where police seized the dogs.

"I've seen cars go in and out of there constantly and I knew somethings was going on. Even when drove by when you guys were actually..when they were raiding the place," Woodworth said.

Police say they arrested two men for gross neglect, possession of dog fighting equipment, and possession of a dog for the purpose of fighting it.

Police say they found a dog treadmill inside the house, along with plates and ribbons. Animal Control thinks these may be trophies for dog fighting.

Authorities say the suspects either train the dogs for--or participate in--the illegal act.

Police say also found drugs in the home, along with stolen property, handguns, and rifles.

Multiple neighbors tell us the suspects moved into the house a month ago.

"I'm glad they're gone," Woodworth said. "Makes us feel safer when we sleep; I ain't gotta worry about nothing."

Family members of one of the suspects told Newshcannel 3 off-camera that the two men were not dog fighting, but took these canines to dog shows.

They say the bites and scratches are from the dogs snipping at each other.

The two suspects are expected in court tomorrow.

http://wwmt.com/news/local/two-arrested-after-police-find-evidence-of-dog-fighting-in-battle-creek



Battle Creek man charged in dog fighting case

Friday, July 15th 2016 by WWMT

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A 26-year-old Battle Creek man has been arraigned on dog fighting charges.

Javaan James was charged with five counts of owning or possessing dogs for fighting and one count of having equipment used for dog fighting.

Earlier this week Battle Creek police found dogs with bites and scratches in a Battle Creek home. One even had two broken front legs.

Police say they also found a dog treadmill inside the house, along with plates and ribbons.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of four years in prison.

http://wwmt.com/news/local/battle-creek-man-charged-in-dog-fighting-case