New York: Chenango County Sheriff's Office investigating Anthony Thompson, 35, for possible dog fighting

NEW YORK -- The Chenango County Sheriff's Office said a case of animal cruelty in North Norwich, may be even worse than originally thought. Seven pit bulls were found weak and wounded at a property off of a small dirt road on Jan. 30.

But the sheriff's office is now investigating if the seven dogs found at 327 Whaupaunaucau Rd. were being forced to fight in illegal dog fighting. The office has received several calls this week about the dogs potentially being used for that purpose.

 

 

"The animals had injuries that are consistent with dog fighting,” Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting (R). “There's scarring on the nose, shoulders, which would indicate they've been involved in a dog fight or something similar in the past."

When the dogs were found they were cold, hungry, and dehydrated. One responding officer said it's the worst case he's ever seen.

 

 

"They're great dogs,” North Norwich Dog Control Officer Matthew Bates said. “They jump on you they want to lick you, they wanted attention. But if they got close to each other they wanted to attack each other. But that's what they were trained to do."

Anthony Thompson, 35, of Johnson City was charged with a misdemeanor for overdriving, torturing, or injuring an animal. The sheriff's office says it's unusual to see a case like this.

"I've been here 30 years now, this is the first actual dog fighting case that I've, that we've seen,” Cutting said.

 

Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic in North Norwich told Action News Wednesday a vet at the clinic did see all seven dogs -- and their health is improving.

"They've got their shots, own bed, their water, they're walked three, four times a day.” Bates said. “They're getting attention and they're loving it."

According to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office, if its investigation does lead to evidence of dog fighting -- Anthony Thompson could face more charges.

Since the investigation is ongoing, Compassionate Care Veterinary clinic in North Norwich told Action News it can not comment on where the dogs are right now.

Norwich District Attorney Joe McBride also told Action News he is asking anyone with information regarding animal cruelty or the possibility of a dog fighting ring in the area, to call the Chenango County Sheriff's Office at 607-334-2000.

(WBNG - Feb 11, 2016)