NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)- Three people have been arrested after deputies discovered a violent dog-fighting ring in New Bern.
On Thursday, the New Bern Police Department served a search warrant on a residence located on 920 West Street.
The search resulted in the seizure of marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine and stolen firearms.
Three suspects were arrested: Saman Reaves, Anthony Mackmore and Aaron Dejon Inman, Jr.
Reaves was charged with:
- Felony cruelty to animals
- Felony dogfighting and baiting
- Misdemeanor restraining dogs in a cruel manner
- Felony trafficking heroin
- Felony possession of methamphetamine
- Felony possession of MDMA
- Possession of a stolen firearm
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Mackmore was charged with:
- Felony cruelty to animals
- Felony dogfighting and baiting
- Misdemeanor restraining dogs in a cruel manner
- Felony trafficking heroin
- Felony possession of methamphetamine
- Felony possession of MDMA
- Possession of a stolen firearm
Inman was charged with:
- Felony cruelty to animals
- Felony dogfighting and baiting
- Misdemeanor restraining dogs in a cruel manner
- Felony trafficking heroin
- Felony possession of methamphetamine
- Felony possession of MDMA
- Possession of a stolen firearm
While searching the residence, officers discovered seven dogs in the backyard that appeared malnourished.
Many of them were chained to posts with heavy chains and appeared to be underfed.
The dogs also showed signs of abuse including cuts, sores, and wounds on their bodies.
Inside the home, officers found a treadmill used to train the dogs.
After further investigation, officers determined the dogs were being used in violent dog-fights.
Officers called for the department’s Animal Control Unit.
New Bern Police Department’s Animal Control took the dogs to a local veterinarian’s office for treatment.
They are currently in fair condition and have been released to the care of the Craven Pamlico Animal Services Center.
“This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty that we’ve seen,” said Chief Toussaint E. Summers, Jr. These poor dogs were frightened, hungry and obviously hurting when officers arrived. They were living in very poor conditions; forced to eat, sleep and use the bathroom in the same place. And it appears they were forced to fight on command. I’m extremely proud of our staff for rescuing these dogs.”
