MJP –
Over 100 dogs that were mistreated have been saved and 23 individuals have been taken into custody following the dismantling of a significant dog fighting operation in Florida.
After a collaborative effort between the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), six individuals have been accused of engaging in animal baiting, fighting, and conspiring to gamble. Additionally, five other individuals are confronting charges related to drug trafficking.
“During a press briefing on Wednesday, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway announced the rescue of over 111 dogs involved in illegal dog fighting activities.” He displayed footage of compact cages, exercise machines, and other equipment related to dogfighting that had been confiscated.
The dogs that were saved, even after going through difficult situations, are known for their amiable nature and are now being looked after by the nearby ASPCA, where they will soon be available for adoption.
Operation Pedigree was initiated by the St. Petersburg Police Department in August 2023 to probe into a dogfighting network that was active in Pinellas County and its neighboring areas. The inquiry uncovered a troubling web of people engaged in the brutal sport and its associated betting operations.
Chief Holloway expressed gratitude to various organizations that helped care for the confiscated dogs, such as Hillsborough Animal Control and the ASPCA. The assistance they provided has been priceless in guaranteeing that these animals receive the care and opportunity they merit.
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In the press conference, Holloway presented two images of a dog that showed a striking contrast, captured one year apart. In the 2023 photo taken before, a charming puppy was captured on the day it was welcomed into a nearby shelter. The subsequent photo, taken after, depicted the same canine bearing dreadful injuries after being exploited as a “bait dog” in fights.
Holloway mentioned that these dogs were maintained in dreadful circumstances and endured terrible mistreatment.
The operation known as Pedigree coincided with another inquiry conducted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, named “Operation Snow Cap,” aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri unveiled that the inquiry unveiled links between the narcotics business and the illegal dogfighting network.
In the course of the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated large amounts of narcotics, such as 54 pounds of methamphetamine, 21 pounds of cocaine, 2 pounds of black tar heroin, 2 pounds of fentanyl, and 11 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, they also seized three firearms and $57,000 in cash.
After the effective collaboration between the authorities, Chief Holloway declared: “If you plan on trafficking drugs in Pinellas County, if you aim to distribute them here, it’s only a question of time, and time is in our favor. You may escape us today, and you may elude us tomorrow, but eventually, we will arrive at your doorstep.
