NYPD accuse Bronx man of dogfighting

Dogs believed to have been raised and trained to fight... — Dogs believed to have been raised and trained to fight are removed from a Bronx apartment. About 50 dogs were taken out, some of them with injuries said to be consistent with dog fighting. (June 21, 2012) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy

By ZACHARY R. DOWDYzachary.dowdy@newsday.comJune 21, 2012

New York police Thursday rescued dozens of wounded pit bulls and arrested a Bronx man who they believe hosted an underground dogfighting operation in the basement of an apartment building.

The New York Police Department's Vice Enforcement Division and the Bronx district attorney's office arrested Raul Sanchez and charged him with four animal fighting and cruelty counts, three felonies and one misdemeanor.

Police said Sanchez maintained a makeshift dogfighting "arena" complete with seating for about 100 spectators in the basement of 1245 Sherman Ave.

The dogs that were taken from the premises ranged in age from 12 weeks to 5 years and had "various injuries indicative of dog fighting," police said. But they added that the dogs were in good condition.

Officers also removed from the premises a loaded .25-caliber handgun, 22 crude wooden cages, pet carriers, dog treadmills, harnesses and muzzles, syringes and a shopping cart full of raw chicken parts.

The dogs were transported to an animal shelter by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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