Chester County Couple Charged With Dogfighting, Possessing Animal Fighting Paraphernalia
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- Chester County Authorities have arrested two Parkesburg residents accused of animal cruelty after police confiscated a treadmill and other dog fighting equipment. This arrest, being the first in Pennsylvania, came only weeks after a new law passed prohibiting someone from owning or possessing animal fighting paraphernalia.
Dowayne Molina and Teresa Campos, both of the 400 Block of West Fourth Avenue, have been charged with felony animal fighting, misdemeanor possession of animal fighting paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and several summary animal cruelty charges, including failing to get vet care and failing to provide necessary sustenance.
Humane officers seized five adult pit bulls from the property, all of which had scarring on their faces and bodies consistent with dog fighting. Seven puppies were also taken removed and taken in to Animal Protective Services. The puppies, along with their mother, will go up for adoption in the next few weeks
Frank Galbraith, manager of the Chester County SPCA's Animal Protective Services Division says, "This organization will not tolerate those who abuse and neglect animals! We will continue to combat acts of violence against animals, and we will prosecute! Our community will not stand for it, and by enacting such laws the state has clearly had enough!"
Molina remains in jail, while Campos was released.
Both are pending a preliminary hearing which is scheduled for 10:30am, December 10, 2015 in Parkesburg District Court.
Anyone interested in donating to help provide care for these abused dogs and others like them can do so at https://fundly.com/dogs-saved-from-a-life-of-fighting.