When detectives with the Dallas Police Department found puppies chained to the ground, they rescued them – and busted the man suspected of using them for a dog-fighting ring.
Dallas detectives responded to a call about a horse and stumbled upon a dog-fighting ring. According to a press release, they searched multiple properties on July 28, where they rescued eight dogs. Now, 53-year-old Gerald Brooks faces five counts of dog fighting.
Police initially responded to a report of a horse that was down, Detective Hannah Tamez told The Dallas Express. When they arrived, they found an underweight horse, unable to run.
While investigating the property, Tamez and Detective Bono heard puppies crying, discovering five in a “heavily wooded area, chained.” According to the release, four were “emaciated and required immediate medical care.”
“There were chains and stakes driven into the ground, and it’s very common amongst dog fighters,” Dallas Police Detective Jonathan Sherman told The Dallas Express. “The owner of the dogs happened to show up while we were out there investigating the horse, and led us to a couple other properties.”
Police conducted surveillance on the other properties, where they found more dogs, according to Sherman. “There were more dogs being kept in the same manner.”
In total, detectives investigated three properties in southeast Dallas. They rescued eight dogs who were “cruelly confined and neglected,” and officers seized evidence of dog fighting.
Investigators confirmed to The Dallas Express that they are investigating the other property owners as well.
Dallas Animal Services took the dogs, evaluated them, and planned to adopt them out, according to Sherman. Readers can browse the shelter’s adoptable pets here. The shelter recently paused intake for most dogs, due to an outbreak of the serious disease distemper.
The Dallas Express reached out to Dallas Animal Services for comment, but did not hear back in time for publication.
Dog fighting has gone “underground,” making the crime “very difficult to investigate,” according to Sherman. He said attendees often need someone to vouch for them.
“Typically, when a fight is scheduled, they will change the location multiple times to try to throw the police off,” he said.
If members of the public have information on dog fighting, Sherman encouraged them to contact CrimeStoppers or the police. Residents can call 214.671.TIPS, or call 911.
“Most of our more proactive investigations come from somebody giving us a tip, and where to look,” Sherman said.