1 arrested, 22 dogs rescued from alleged dog fighting operation in Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) and Humane World for Animals teamed up on Tuesday to arrest one man and rescue 22 dogs and puppies from a suspected dog-fighting operation in Fort Wayne.

According to a press release, FWPD conducted search warrants at three houses around 2 p.m. on Tuesday and discovered dogs panting inside filthy cages with dog-fighting paraphernalia inside a nearby shed.

The homes were located in the following locations:

5000 block of Buell Drive
800 block of E. Berry Street
6100 block of Bridlewood

Despite the heat advisories warning of temperatures that could reach 110 degrees, many of the dogs had no access to water and were covered in scars and large wounds.

At the second property, first responders discovered several dogs on heavy chains in an outside area with no protection from the harsh sun. Several dogs were suffering from “flystrike”, a condition that is caused by flies laying eggs on animals. Some dogs were stuffed into compact cages with no access to water, covered in fighting scars.

“Between the suffocating heat, filthy conditions, and bodies covered in scars—it’s incomprehensible. Yet these dogs still greeted us with wagging tails and hopeful eyes,” said Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director, Humane World for Animals. “We are deeply grateful to the Fort Wayne Police Department for intervening in this case and giving these dogs a chance at the lives they deserve.” 

Dogfighting causes extreme suffering to the animals, and the cruel spectacle is often related to other crimes that involve weapons, violence, gambling, and illegal drugs. 

Trevel Shantae Bell was arrested as a result of the search and charged with two counts of purchase or possession of an animal for fighting, a level 6 felony.

Humane World for Animals is transporting the dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers will provide much-needed care and treatment.

The Indiana Gaming Commission and Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control assisted with the rescue.

The search is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by FWPD.