MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Four pit bulls, one seriously injured, were rescued and their owner arrested after Memphis police busted an apparent dog fighting ring.
Officers were called to the 3200-block of Given Ave just after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22 on reports of a dog fight in progress. When they arrived, they found 4 dogs chained in the backyard. One pit bull puppy was chained without food, shelter or water and appeared malnourished and was shaking from the cold. A second adult female pit bull had several fresh, bleeding wounds consistent to being in a fight. Police took custody of all four dogs; the wounded female was taken to an emergency clinic for treatment.
21-year-old Joshua Whitfield, who lives at the home, told officers the dogs were his but refused to give a statement regarding the dog fighting. He was arrested and charged with two counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and booked at the Shelby County Jail. He is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court January 24.
