MI: Future grim for 11 pit bulls
Dogs seized in drug bust apparently trained to fight -- police
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

By Bryn Mickle
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Flint - Eleven pit bulls that police believe had been trained for illegal fights likely will be killed.

The dogs were found at a suspected drug house on Flint's north side Monday, each wearing a padlocked collar to deter thieves.

Inside the home's basement, police found bloodstained treadmills and a bloody area investigators believe was used for dog fights.

"There was an area for fighting and an area for training," said state police Lt. Gary Parsons, commander of the Flint Area Narcotics Group.

Some of the dogs bore scars consistent with dog fights, police said.

Police raided the home at 844 W. Alma Ave. about 5 p.m. Monday after complaints of drug activity there.

A next-door neighbor said she saw nothing to suggest the home had been used for drugs and dog fights.

"It's a pretty quiet neighborhood," said Marquita Douglass. "I was very surprised. (The man who lives in the house) is a very quiet, mild-mannered young man,"

The homeowner, 29, jumped out a back window when police raided the house, but was captured a block away, Parsons said.

Police found about 8 pounds of marijuana in plastic bags in the house, along with a rifle and four handguns - including a stolen .38-caliber pistol.

The Flint man is being held at the Genesee County Jail pending charges, including gun and marijuana possession and possession of animals used and trained for fighting.

Investigators were unaware before the raid that the home was used for alleged dog fights, Parsons said.

The dogs, including some puppies, were found chained outside the house.

"They appeared to be in good condition," said Genesee County Animal Control Chief Officer Lloyd Gerhardt, adding the dogs did not have fresh wounds.

Two of the four treadmills in the basement appeared to be homemade, Gerhardt said.

The treadmills can be used to exercise dogs and improve their endurance for fights.

Clandestine matches held around the Flint area have been rumored to feature at least $40,000 in prize money.

The dogs seized in Monday's raid are being held for evidence, but ultimately will likely be destroyed, Gerhardt said.

The shelter does not adopt out pit bulls because they usually are bred and trained to fight.

Monday's discovery is a reminder that dog fights are a problem in Genesee County.

"It's still out there, unfortunately," Gerhardt said.

***

Bryn Mickle is the afternoon police reporter. He can be reached at (810) 766-6383 or bmickle@flintjournal.com.


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I heard this story on the news, and it just made me sick. I have recently acquired a American Staffordshire terrier, he was a stray and we were going to try to foster him in hopes of finding a good home, but speaking with Jan at your foundation made me quickly change my mind about adopting him out to someone else. He is the most loveable dog and the dangers that lay out there for these breeds are terrible. Of course these breeds get such terrible reputations because of people like the ones noted in the article posted here, as mean, aggressive dogs that can turn on you on an instant. Sadly people that know nothing about the breed believe this and many wonderful, sweet, loving Pitts are euthanised just because they are believed to be this way. I find it terrible that not only were these dogs told about here used for fighting and many injured, but they will never have the chance to know a devoted l family who will love them.