- Delaware, USA -
On Sunday, January 8, 2023, a noise complaint to the Delaware State Police (DSP) led officials to an illegal dogfighting operation.
Law enforcement officials responded to a report of suspicious activity at a home in the 2600 block of Lonesome Road, Seaford in Sussex County and upon arrival they found multiple individuals actively engaged in a dogfighting event.
Police were later joined by the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Animal Welfare division (OAW) and following a search and seizure warrant, OAW removed fourteen dogs found at the residence.
According to OAW, one of the fourteen dogs removed from the property, sadly died from the injuries sustained from the dogfighting activities.
The other thirteen dogs were placed in the care of the nonprofit Brandywine Valley SPCA, and the organization explained in a Facebook post that five of them are in “serious condition.”
The Brandywine Valley SPCA also said: “We're giving the 13 dogs rescued from alleged dog fighting activity in Seaford, Delaware likely the first love and compassion they have ever experienced. They are also showing us their resilience after all they have endured.”
Police arrested:
35-years-old BYRON L. BRIDDELL, of Berlin, Maryland (pictured)
36-years-old GLENN WHITE, of Salisbury, Maryland (pictured)
44-years-old SAMUEL W. FOREMAN, of Whaleyville, Maryland (pictured)
44-years-old TIMOTHY WHALEY, of Salisbury, Maryland (pictured)
46-years-old KEVIN C. LAND, of Seaford, Delaware (pictured)
They were all charged with animal fighting, being present during an animal fight, cruelty to animals, and resisting arrest. They have since posted bail!
As the investigation into this case continued, a sixth individual has been arrested and four dogs have been removed from his home.
The Division of Public Health said in a news release that the sixth arrestee, 45-years-old RONNELL D. JACOBS (pictured), of Laurel, was identified as the person who fled the scene where the other five individuals were arrested.
JACOBS is charged with three felony counts related to dogfighting, and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
As indicated in the press release: “Ronnell Jacobs is currently being held without bail for a Violation of Probation related to his January 12 arrest on dog fighting and animal cruelty charges, but not as a result of the charges themselves, for which he was released on his own recognizance. He remains incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution. He is ordered to have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals pending the outcome of the case.”
JACOBS was arraigned on January 12, 2023, on the following charges:
Two counts owning, possessing, keeping or using an animal for the purpose of fighting.
One count being present at an animal fight.
Two counts of cruelty or neglect to animals.
JACOBS “was found to be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole Office and wearing an ankle monitor,” stated the release. A review of JACOBS’ location on the date and time of the dogfighting bust, placed him at the Lonesome Road property.
On January 12, OAW obtained a search and seizure warrant for JACOBS’ residence, where officials found and removed four dogs were seized. Two of the VOICELESS VICTIMS were found chained in the woods behind the home and had injuries consistent with dog fighting.
These dogs were also placed in the care of the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
OAW said that upon seizure, two of the four dogs required emergency veterinary care and one of the two who required emergency veterinary care was determined to be unable to recover from his/her wounds and was sadly euthanized.
To date, as a result of the investigation, eighteen INNOCENT dogs were rescued, three of them have died, and two others have been adopted. The remaining dogs continue to recover.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case should contact OAW at (302) - 255 - 4646. Thank you!
Please, visit the Brandywine Valley SPCA Facebook page to see how you can help them face this hardship. Thank you!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Pictures shared from Brandywine Valley SPCA
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