Wednesday, November 19, 2008 By Phil Dunnpdunn@sjnewsco.com
PENNS GROVE – Additional charges have been filed against three people who allegedly operated a pit bull fighting ring at a house on Lanning Avenue here, authorities said.
Seven dogs were confiscated Sunday from the house.
Diamond E. McNeil, 20, of Locust Court, Maple Shade; Tremaine Howell, 26, of Sussex Drive, Willingboro; and Khalil Spikes, 29, of Sheffield Drive, Willingboro have been charged in the case. They each face 31 counts of animal cruelty.
Authorities said Tuesday that additional weapons charges and drug charges have been filed after detectives from the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office and Penns Grove Police Department executed a search warrant at the house on Monday.
The prosecutor’s office said Tuesday the search of the house produced a hand gun, narcotics and various types of equipment that authorities say is used in dog fighting.
The search was part of an ongoing investigation from an incident that occurred Sunday afternoon where officers discovered what appeared to be a dog fighting location in the home’s basement.
Ned Shimp, animal control officer for Penns Grove, was called out to the location on a compliant that a dog was hung up on a chain. While at the home, he heard barking coming from down in the basement, according to Matt Stanton spokesman for the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“He found fresh blood on the walls, there was a carpet in the center that suggested some type of fighting ring,” said Stanton. “This is something where the run of the mill call can turn out to be something totally different.”
The dogs in the basement also appeared to have fresh bite marks, Stanton said.
Spike’s charges now include unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and numerous charges from NJSPCA for animal cruelty.
Howell was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and numerous charges from NJSPCA for animal cruelty.
McNeil’s charges include unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of prescription legend drugs not in original container and numerous charges from NJSPCA for animal cruelty.
In addition, Stanton said each of the residents faces 31 counts of basic animal cruelty charges, which contain not providing food, water and shelter.
They also face an indictable charge for one of the highest offenses of animal fighting.
Ron Sutton Jr., owner of RS Animal Shelter in Pittsgrove is currently holding four of the seven pit bulls involved. He said he expects to house the remaining three pit bulls once they recover from injuries. They are currently at the Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital in Mullica Hill.
He described the dogs as having scars and a demeanor that suggest they have been bred for fighting.
“The dogs are people friendly, but very animal aggressive,” said Sutton. “It’s doubtful that they could be adopted.”
Normal strays are only held for seven days there is a good chance these dogs could be held at the RS Shelter for a month or more.
“I will hold the dogs until the authorities tell me otherwise,” said Sutton.
Pictures of the dog have not been released by police at this time. Pictures are said to possibly interfere with the case, as the dogs have now become evidence in this investigation, said police.
Shimp, who works with animals all over Salem County, hopes those involved are convicted.
“I want a message sent in Salem County,” said Shimp. “If you are going to do this, you will pay.”