Man arrested in raid on suspected dogfighting ring
Law enforcement agents seized 10 adult pit bulls and five puppies in raids on houses connected to a suspected dogfighting ring on Wednesday.
Animal control and Minneapolis police officers also confiscated two guns, drugs and dogfighting equipment in the raids on nine homes in north Minneapolis and one in New Hope. One arrest was made.
Minneapolis Police Department Sgt. Lindsay Herron has been investigating the suspect in the dogfighting ring for about a year and a half.
Police believe the suspect rented out areas at the raided homes where he could keep the dogs.
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"The target is known to Minneapolis Animal Care & Control, he's had numerous contacts and numerous dogs throughout the years, more dogs than the average person would have listed to them," Herron said. "He was kind of on our radar to begin with."
The suspect was arrested Wednesday and is being held in Hennepin County Jail.
Herron said the dogs were in good condition, although a few had visible scars and showed signs of having been fought in the past. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control have taken custody of the pit bulls.
"The dogs will all get evaluated for their temperament and health, and it will be decided if they can be adopted out," Herron said.
The Minneapolis police are asking anyone with knowledge of the dogfighting case to text 847-411 or call the police tip line at 612-692-8477.