Sep 11, 2007 12:32 pm US/Eastern
Police Uncover Dogfighting Ring In Severna Park
by Gigi Barnett
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Police say a dogfighting ring was busted last week in Severna Park.
WJZ
A big bust for Anne Arundel County Police, who acted on a tip to break up a dogfighting ring.
It happened in Severna Park and as
Gigi Barnett reports, police say they found more than just injured dogs.
Trained to fight and bred to kill, police say a dogfighting ring was busted last week. It was an anonymous tip that led them to a house in Severna Park.
"The case may not have been broken if it wasn't for that tipster coming forward," said a police spokesperson.
Police jumped on the tip and set up a two-day surveillance. They saw enough for a search warrant--including drug trafficking taking place.
Once inside, they seized four pit bulls and a puppy, with injuries consistent to being used for fighting, like the wounds on their faces and deep gashes on their legs.
Police also found $3,500 of crack cocaine, $600 in cash and more drug paraphernalia.
Investigators say those crimes tend to go hand-in-hand.
The dogs and their owners, 44-year old Kevin Jay Green and 37-year-old Kathleen Marie Bell, are locked up.
Neighbors say the area is very quiet and low key, with not a lot of traffic coming through. That's why they're surprised.
"It's not right. It's pitiful what they do to the animals," said neighboring land owner Ted Huttinger.
Police aren't shocked. They say dog fight operators like the hidden location.
"Generally dog fighting rings tend to be operated at a clandestine location, which would correspond to the way this residence was set up."
Police say tonight the five dogs are with animal control and adoption may not be a possibility.
The couple faces a slew of charges from animal cruelty to drug possession. They are each behind bars on a $750,000 bond.
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