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ASPCA accepting donations for 23 dogs seized in Huntersville

By Jenna Deery
By Jenna Deery

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Huntersville police served a warrant Tuesday afternoon at a house on Statesville Road suspected of dogfighting.

Huntersville police said a search warrant was executed after information was received that a number of dogs were showing signs of bite marks and other injuries associated with dogfighting on the property.

Chopper 9 flew over the scene where American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officials could be seen investigating.

Police said 23 dogs were seized. ASPCA officials said the dogs were living tethered to crates outside with heavy chains, living in mud and pools of water.

There were 16 adult dogs and seven puppies removed from the home. Investigators said some were very thin and had scars and broken teeth.

No charges have been filed.

Crews said they found equipment including a merry-go-round at the home that helps train and condition dogs for fighting.

Pink Graham said his friend was using the merry-go-round and the backyard to breed pit bulls not to fight them.

"When the dog had a pup, they would put them on there to get them back in shape," said Graham. "There's a different side to this story than what the police say."

The ASPCA told Channel 9 that the first step was getting the dogs somewhere safe.

"It will remain an active case for some time but we are going to medically examine, behavior examine, get them comfy and take them to an undisclosed location and then we're going to wait on the court to do its job,” Kathryn Destrezea, director of investigations for the ASPCA said.

No one has been arrested while the investigation continues.
The ASPCA said on Thursday that they were accepting donations to help care for the animals.

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