FLINT, MI (WNEM) -
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has charged a 14-year-old Flint resident with two criminal counts related to the dogfighting case on E. Bishop Avenue in the city of Flint.
Published reports say the teen will be charged as a juvenile.
Three of the five dogs seized during the raid two weeks ago were euthanized. At the time of the raid, Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said he couldn't believe the condition of the dogs.
"[One dog's] entire quarter of his leg was gone, [there were] fresh bite marks on the dogs," he said.
According to officials, the dogs were forced to fight in a makeshift fighting arena in the garage behind the home. The floor of the garage was also covered with a patches of fresh blood, Pickell said.
Leyton said the teen faces one count of torturing animals, which if convicted is a 4-year felony and carries possible fines of up to $5,000 for a single animal, plus $2,500 for each additional animal up to a maximum fine of $20,000.
Count two is for dog fighting, which is also a 4-year felony and carries possible fines up to $50,000 with possible community service of up to 1,000 hours.
"This is a very serious matter," said Leyton. "We do not take such cases lightly and we will be pursuing the best course of action under the law in the pursuit of justice."
"I wish Michigan law provided harsher penalties under the circumstances," he added.
The other two dogs seized in the raid are being inspected by a veterinarian. Officials hope the dogs will be able available for adoption at a later time.
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This dog was used in the alleged dog fighting ring/Courtesy Tia Ewing
