9/21/2007
Media Contact:
Media Wilson, Animal Care and Control, [317] 327-1396
Margie Smith-Simmons, Mayor’s Office, [317] 327-3690
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Major Developments Help Stamp out Dog Fighting
A multi-agency task force makes big moves and an important arrest
Indianapolis – Mayor Bart Peterson today joined law enforcement from the city’s Animal Care and Control Division, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Humane Society of the United States and the United States Department of Agriculture to announce the development of the Indianapolis Dog Fighting Task Force.
The task force is a coalition of these agencies making a concentrated effort to eliminate dog fighting in Indianapolis. One major arrest has already occurred as a result of the task force’s efforts.
Indianapolis resident Michelle Bolden, 38, was arrested at her home, 3136 N. Eastern Ave., Monday night and charged with multiple dog-fighting related crimes. Four dogs were confiscated from the home, which is less than one block from Washington Park. Boldin faces four charges of promoting dog fighting, a Class D felony; four charges of animal cruelty, a Class D felony; 4 charges of neglect to an animal, a Class B misdemeanor; and four charges of harboring a non-immunized animal, a Class B misdemeanor.
“By combining the resources of these agencies we can make major progress in our fight against the criminals in our community,” said Mayor Peterson. “Dog fighting is a heinous crime that frequently coexists with drug and weapon crimes and these are people we must bring to justice.”
The task force is currently pursuing donations that will purchase equipment and resources that will allow intense investigations of Indianapolis dog fighting rings. The Humane Society of the United States is a major financial backer of the project, but additional funding will still be needed.
“Citizens who want to make an immediate and significant difference to the safety of our city should donate to this task force and call in any information you have about dog fighting in this city,” said Indianapolis Public Safety Director Earl Morgan. “The amount of resources and input we receive from the public for this project will directly affect the results.”
The Indianapolis Dog Fighting task force was formed this month and will continue to meet and investigate every tip received. If you suspect dog fighting in your neighborhood, please call 262-TIPS to report the information. Calls that lead to prosecution may result in a monetary reward. Calls may be anonymous. Citizens who would like to contact the task force directly can call 327-1425. Citizens wishing to donate to the task force can go to www.friendsofindyacc.org and be sure to designate that their donation is to be applied to the task force.
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