GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) – Two arrests have actually been made after an examination started into a possible dog battling circumstance in Gastonia.
Gaston County Police, Animal Care and Enforcement, and the Humane Society of the United States performed a search warrant at a home on East Sixth Avenue in Gastonia on Wednesday.
Police state the warrant became part of an almost two-month-long examination into a report of numerous dogs being utilized for battling.
[Previous coverage: Gaston Co. dog owner speaks out after 14 dogs rescued from alleged dogfighting on his property]
Veterinarians kept in mind the dogs had oral concerns, skin problem, missing out on hair, leak injuries and scars regularly seen in dogfighting operations.
Henrique Durant, who lives at the home, had a description for the injuries.
“My one female got out the cage and then she went cage hopping from one to the other, cage hopping.”
Durant informed WBTV that he is not associated with dog battling.
“I don’t dog fight!” he said. “Dogfighting is illegal and it’s cruelty to animals!”
Officials got rid of 14 dogs throughout the search. They were taken by the Humane Society for medical treatment and assessments.
The Gaston County Fugitive Apprehension and Suspect Tracking group detained 2 individuals on Saturday:
- Henrique Durant, 15 counts of felony dog battling. Durant was offered a $150,000 protected bond.
- Ukema Miller, one count misdemeanor animal cruelty. Miller was offered a $5.000. protected bond.
According to cops, both Durant and Miller lived at the home.
The examination into this case is continuous. Anyone with details about the event is asked to get in touch with Det. J. Brienza at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. There is no additional details available at this time.
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