How to Investigate Animal Cruelty in NY State – A Manual of Procedures

Example 18 – Unorganized Dog Fighting (Street Fighting)

The Complaint

A humane agency cruelty investigator encountered two individuals fighting their dogs on a city street.

The Response

1. The investigator arrested the two people and took them to the police station.
2. He carefully documented that the dogs were fighting and the owners were making no effort to break up the fight.
3. He took the seized dogs to the animal shelter and had them examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian provided a signed statement indicating that the wounds on the dogs indicated that they had been fighting.
4. The investigator took photographs of the two dogs that documented the wounds they had sustained..

Charges Brought

The individuals involved were charged with Felony dog fighting, a violation of Article 26 Section 351 of the Agriculture & Markets Law.

Supporting Documents Follow

Not available