- Florida, USA -
A month-long investigation conducted by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, revealed evidence of dogfighting at a residence on 2136 52nd Lane in Golden Gate.
Its owner, 40-year-old RAFAEL JESUS DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON (pictured below), turned himself in at the Naples Jail Center on the late afternoon of Friday, July 9.
According to a news release by the sheriff’s office, detectives charged DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON with:
Four counts of animal cruelty – cause cruel death, pain or suffering.
One count of animal fighting act – baiting, breeding, owning animal.
One count of animal fighting act – sell, possess, use equipment for fighting or baiting.
Detectives said DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON is a convicted felon who operated an organized dog fighting ring at his home.
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said: “These innocent animals endured repeated torturous abuse, suffering and pain. We are pleased that we, along with our partners with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Collier County Domestic Animal Services, have delivered them to a safe and healing environment and are bringing their abuser to justice.”
The press release states that the sheriff’s office began an investigation on June 9, after deputies learned of possible animal abuse at DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON’s residence.
The press release goes on to say: “Deputies observed multiple dogs in metal cages in the backyard of the residence. The dogs had injuries in various stages of healing. They appeared malnourished, scared and stressed.
There were also multiple roosters that had injuries and lost feathers. An above-ground pool was filled with sawdust and what appeared to be a baiting device typical of the kind used in animal fighting. There were numerous dog tie-outs with thick harness ropes in the middle of the yard.”
After executing a search warrant, detectives seized:
Six female bull terriers – Three of them were pregnant.
One female hound dog.
Two male bull terriers.
One rooster who had severe injuries to his chest and back.
One of the pregnant females had a deep gaping laceration to her chest.
The search also led to the discovery of vials of suspected anabolic steroids and performance enhancing supplements for animals.
Detectives then obtained a second search warrant to conduct forensic exams on the nine seized dogs and rooster.
The sheriff’s office said that on June 10, ASPCA forensic scientists brought their mobile lab from Gainesville to Collier County Domestic Animal Services where the animals were being sheltered, cared for and medically treated.
The dogs were examined by a forensic veterinarian who found “numerous wounds and scarring on all of them consistent with organized dog fighting.”
One of the furbabies, a black and white 3-year-old male Bull terrier, had 249 scars and wounds, while a 3-year-old female bull terrier had 109 scars and wounds.
According to the arrest report: “The ASPCA forensic veterinarian is of the opinion that the dogs' past and present injuries are consistent with organized dog fighting and they were suffering and in pain from past and present injuries/untreated medical/dental conditions.”
The arrest report further states that the current injuries on the dogs, were suspected to have been inflicted seven to ten days prior to their exams.
As for the rooster, the press release states that his injuries were thought to be so severe that he was going to be euthanized. The innocent bird is in pain and is suffering but he is being treated at DAS.
The sheriff’s office is in the process of filing paperwork to legally seize the dogs.
Meanwhile, all these VOICELESS VICTIMS will remain in the custody and care of Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
In June, NBC2 got an exclusive look inside DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON’s home and he showed the reporters around.
DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON had several empty cages where he kept the nine dogs and claimed he was a registered dog breeder.
In the backyard there was a pool filled with sawdust but DEL-VALLE-JOMARRON had an explanation for it.
He told NBC2: “See? This is a ring, but this is where my daughter goes in there, we take a ball in there, we play.”
I truly hate all subhumans involved in dogfighting, organizers and spectators!
You make a DISHONEST living out of innocent dogs who cannot report their CRUEL and SENSELESS abuse to the authorities.
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