Investigators raid hog-dogfighting operations in four states

Columbus, GA, -- Almost 100 dogs and more than a dozen hogs have been confiscated in South Carolina as part of a state and federal law enforcement raid on an animal fighting operation in Chester County.

The raid was just one of four conducted in different parts of the country Friday, according to the Humane Society of the United States. The other raids were in Alabama, Arizona and Georgia.

Three people have been charged in South Carolina, said Trey Walker, spokesman for the state attorney general's office.

Arthur Parker Sr., 47, Arthur Parker Jr., 20, and Mary Evans Luther, 50, all of Fort Lawn, were charged with animal fighting and attending an animal fight. Animal fighting is a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. There is no mandatory minimum sentence.

According to a release from the attorney general's office, Parker Sr. is considered one of the top hog-dogfighting event sponsors in the nation.

Reached by phone Monday, a man who identified himself as Art Parker said he had been arrested but refused to talk about the case until he spoke with his lawyer.

Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the Humane Society, characterized those involved as an "organized criminal association of animal fighters."

In Phoenix, James M. Curry and his wife, Jodi Marie, face drug, weapon, child-abuse and animal cruelty charges. Three children were taken into custody by Child Protective Services in the raid there, according to the Yavapai County sheriff's office.

In the events, a dog - usually a pit or American bulldog - and a hog or wild boar with its tusks removed are put in a pen and fight until the dog forces the hog to the ground. Both animals typically suffer major injuries in the fight, according to a release from the attorney general's office.

While hunting wild boar with a dog is legal in South Carolina, staged fights are prohibited.

"Like dogfighting, these activities are barbaric, inhumane and will be vigorously prosecuted in South Carolina," Attorney General Henry McMaster said.

All of the dogs were turned over to Chester County Animal Control and Humane Society representatives. The hogs remained on the property. Several were wounded.

Walker said one of the most disturbing things about a video of one of the events is the "people standing around the ring cheering."

Pacelle said when raids occur, the people involved usually face animal cruelty as well as other charges.

"These are violent people who are often associated with other criminal enterprises," he said.

The Humane Society actively investigates reports of staged animal fights and does background or intelligence work to help law enforcement make cases, Pacelle said.

It is at least the third major development this year in animal fighting in South Carolina.

Earlier this month, David Tant, who prosecutors called the No. 2 breeder of fighting pit bulls in the United States, was sentenced Monday to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to dogfighting and assault charges.

That case was the first brought to trial by the attorney general's dogfighting task force.

This summer, South Carolina's agriculture commissioner was charged with taking a bribe to help a cockfighting ring avoid legal troubles. Charlie Sharpe has pleaded innocent to extortion, money laundering and other charges. His trial could begin as early as next month.

 

They crackin down everywhere....

 

I think thats good.....better than having BSL everywhere!!!! @#$% BSL