Louisiana: Twenty pit bulls and raccoon euthanized in accused dog fighting ring

LOUISIANA -- Police arrested a man Monday night accused of training pit bulls to fight to the death in his backyard.

East Baton Rouge Animal Control investigators were called to Eugene Grayer's house on McHugh Rd. in Baker after someone told police they could hear dogs whining as if they were in pain.

According to Baker Police, Grayer told officers he had between 17 and 20 dogs that he trains, buys and sells for a "friendly" weight pulling competition.

The dogs had scars all over their faces and bodies, EBR Animal Control and Rescue Operations Manager Richard Byrd said.

Byrd said scars are clear indication the dogs are bred to fight.

"I think (dog fighting breeders) are sick," Byrd said. "I don't agree with dog fighting."

Investigators found treadmills on Grayer's property and say the equipment is used to get dogs ready to fight while they use another animal as bait in front of them.

Byrd said Grayer was using a raccoon as bait.

"There was a bit stick that you use to pry open the jaw when they get locked in. There was some chemicals," he said.

Byrd believes the chemicals are steroids used on the dogs.

All of the 20 dogs and raccoon were euthanized.

"The thing about an attack dog is they're not going to attack a human. They are bred for one thing and that is to fight another dog. So they don't necessarily make the best adoptive animal because if you've got a former dog and you're walking it, chances are it could attack another dog. That's why we never adopt them out and we have them euthanized," Byrd said.

Baker Police charged Grayer with possession of dogs for fighting and possession of a firearm by a felon.

(WBRZ - December 23, 2014)

Earlier:

• Louisiana: Eugene Grayer, 49, accused of raising pit bulls for dog fighting