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Case ID: 4952

Classification: Mutilation/Torture

Animal: dog (pit-bull)

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Pit-bulls found skinned alive
James City, VA (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jun 29, 2005
County: James City

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 2 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case Updates: 3 update(s) available

James City County officials are investigating after two female dogs were found with cut wounds so severe that some believe the suspect or suspects involved were trying to skin the animals.

Both animals were found alive, although one had such severe injuries she had to be put down. The other is doing fine and is expected to fully recover.

The canines, both Pit Bull mixes, were discovered in separate locations - one the night of June 29 and the other on the morning of June 30.

Although the animals were found miles apart, officials think the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information about these two dogs and how they came to sustain their injuries is asked to call the Crimeline at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Crimeline
1-888-LOCK-U-UP

Case Updates

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for skinning two dogs alive.

The James City County Police Dept. is investigating this case. Anyone with information in the case is encouraged to contact the James City County Police & Animal Control at 757-253-1800.

Update posted on Jul 11, 2005 - 4:31PM

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The investigation into the partial skinning of two pit bull mix dogs in James City County led police to a home in the neighborhood where one of the dogs was found. Maj. Stan Stout said that no one has been arrested, but he said officers executed a search warrant just before 8:00 p.m. Thursday on Old Colonial in the Forrest Glen area.

"We were looking for evidence of dog fighting and cutting instruments. We found blood and have taken samples to compare to blood from the wounded dogs. We also seized a another pit bull mix dog that was under nourished," Maj. Stout said.

One of the dogs had to be euthanized. Nikki Hogge found that animal on Wednesday morning near a church on Jolly Pond Road.

"It looked like someone had taken a box cutter and taken it from one side of the backside all the way across the other and then there was a cut on her back and the skin was gaping open," she told 13News.

The other dog, a family pet, is doing well, according to investigators.

But the vet that treated them both is concerned.

"My fear is someone who would do this to a dog isn't too far away from hurting a person. A child or even an adult," noted Dr. Meredith Averitt with Toano Animal Clinic.

Police continue their investigation and ask anyone with information to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Meantime, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, based in Norfolk, is offering up to $1,000 to anyone who can give information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

Source: WVEC - July 1, 2005
Update posted on Jul 9, 2005 - 8:48AM

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Police in James City County are investigating two incidents this week in which dogs were found skinned alive.

One of the dogs has been treated and is recovering at an animal clinic in Toano, authorities said. The other, cut more severely, suffering from heartworms and lacking a known owner, was euthanized late Thursday on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Maj. Stan Stout said police received the first call Wednesday night from a man requesting an ambulance to take his dog to the hospital. Police and animal-control officers found the dog, a female pit-bull mix, had been sliced with a knife or box cutter from the base of the neck to the tail so that her skin was hanging away from her body.

That dog was treated and is recovering.

Then on Thursday morning, a woman called police to report another skinned dog near James River Baptist Church on Centerville Road, near Jolly Pond Road. This dog, another pit bull, had severe wounds all along its body and was euthanized that night.

Also on Thursday, police obtained a warrant and searched a home in the Forest Glen subdivision off Centerville Road in connection with the incidents.

Stout said police had received information the injured dogs had been used for fighting, and had been cut by their owners when they refused to fight.

During the search, police found evidence of blood on the driveway and in a pen that had no dog in it. They also found three pit bulls and another dog chained in separate corners of the backyard, and seized one of the dogs that appeared malnourished.

Stout said the investigation was continuing yesterday. He said no arrests were expected soon.

Source: Times-Dispatch - July 2, 2005
Update posted on Jul 7, 2005 - 10:47AM

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References

WAVY - June 30, 2005

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Pit-bulls found skinned aliveJames City, VA (US)

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Pit-bulls found skinned alive
James City, VA (US)