Indianapolis - Metro police say they've busted a dog-fighting ring.
It was a call from a concerned neighbor worried about an injured dog that brought Indianapolis Animal Care and Control officers to the home at 7431 East 33rd Street. But it's what they found that has the homeowner, 47-year-old Jeffery Neer, in trouble.
"The evidence that we found would indicate that he was training or conditioning his dogs for fighting," said Media Wilson, Animal Care and Control.
The evidence includes homemade treadmills to condition the six dogs confiscated from Neer's home. Police say more dog-fighting evidence was found inside the house along with an undisclosed amount of marijuana. Animal Control officials say that it appears the dogs were kept in the backyard and there's no indication that dogfights were staged at the house.
"Five of the dogs are in good condition. They've been seen by our vet and appear healthy. One dog is extremely injured," said Wilson.
That dog suffered wounds to the neck, ear and leg. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states. The latest high profile case involves Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Vick is charged with felony dog fighting. Vick and two other men have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges and face a November trial. Rawlings joins Nike and Reebok in ending endorsement deals with the star quarterback.
In this latest case, the injured dog is expected to fully recover from his wounds. Meanwhile, Animal Control officials plan to charge Jeffery Neer with felony dog fighting next week.
