IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS AWARDED CUSTODY OF 41 PIT BULLS
Chickasaw County Drug Bust Nets More Than Drugs

Houston, Miss. - In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization with a regional office in Grenada, Miss. was awarded custody of 41 pit bulls seized following a drug bust. 

In serving a warrant, the Mississippi Narcotics Bureau discovered dozens of pit bulls and what was suspected to be paraphernalia associated with the breeding and training of dogs for fighting. Dog fighting is a felony offense in Mississippi. On February 7, 2005, Jerry Heair, resident of 655 CR 92, Houston, Miss. was arrested for narcotics violations and was incarcerated. IDA was called to look into issues regarding the dogs.

“I was charged with the seizure of 683 animals a few years back, but there’s nothing like having to move powerful animals with lethal determination towards one another. After securing professional care and evaluation for 30 of the dogs, plus 8 surrendered from another property, I was running out of options for the remaining 23 dogs. When a team from the Louisiana SPCA arrived from New Orleans to aid us it was like seeing the Calvary when you’re down to your last shell,” said Doll Stanley IDA Director of Investigations.

On February 17, 2005, a hearing was held for 2 persons who qualified for a determination of custody of a number of the seized dogs. On February 22, 2005 Justice Court Judge Gary Turner granted the parties custody of 12 of the dogs with the stipulation that IDA monitor their care for 6 months. The parties did not reside on the property at the time of the seizure, were not charged with cruelty, and provided documentation to support their claim to the dogs.

“Professionally abiding by the ruling, and expeditiously returning these dogs does not require our satisfaction. Those of us involved in the investigation, transport, care, and evaluation of these animals unanimously concur that their displays of animal aggression pose a lethal threat. One veterinarian described the trans-like manner in which one of the dogs attacked a client’s dog while being walked to the exercise yard. I’ve contended that there could be no other reason for the dogs to be kept on heavy chains, secured with double stiff collars that removed hair and skin from their necks as they lunged to breach the often 4 to 6 foot span between them,” stated Stanley. 

To protect “owners” from the accumulated impoundment fees once associated with such actions, Miss. State Statute 97-41-2, “The Animal Seizure Statute,” allows “owners” of seized animals and court awarded guardians an expedited hearing to determine the custody of seized animals. This also prevents appointed humane agencies that care for the animals until a custody ruling from becoming over-burdened, or having to euthanize other animals they would care for until adopted.

Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states. Dogs pit against one another in fights are often severely injured or killed during the fights and receive no veterinary attention. Research has proved that children who view dog fighting violence have a greater acceptance of aggressive behavior and believe that it’s okay to inflict the cruelties they observe.