Philadelphia Dog-Fighting Ring Busted

courtesy of Seattle Dog Spot

Philadelphia Police arrested between 15 and 20 people, confiscated 25 dogs, and found a supply of drugs and guns at 3 homes on Monday. The raids were the result of a months-long investigation between police and the Philadelphia SPCA, according to the Inquirer.

At about 12:01 a.m. police raided a home on Gerritt Street in South Philly. At about 7:00 a.m. police raided a Boudinot Street home in Kensington, and then a Potter Street home at about 10 a.m. Wendy Marano, a PSPCA spokesperson, told the press that the first raid led to the discovery of the second and third locations.

In addition to the dogs, authorities found marijuana, cocaine, heroin, a large amount of cash, and weapons. Vitamins, steroids, and treadmills used for the dog fights were seized by police.

One of the arrested, Rashwan Coleman, 30, received 5 years probation for animal cruelty, s well as 5 years in prison for drug dealing.

Marano said that when authorities entered the first home, nearly 20 people were watching two dog fights. All suspects ran while the fights were left in progress. PPSPCA workers are currently attending to the animals, treating injuries and administering medications.

Marano said the organizations hopes to make it clear that attending a dog fight is just as much a crime as conducting one.