Animals used for fighting rescued
WEST GOSHEN » Six pit bulls and four rabbits are in the care of the Brandywine Valley SPCA after being seized by police when an investigation uncovered that the dogs were used for fighting at a Coatesville home.
Dowayne Molina, 39, of the 200 block of New Street, Coatesville, was arrested last week and charged in connection with the suspected dog-fighting acts, which took place in November 2017.
Also seized was a .40-caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol, several dog treadmills, IV kits for the pit bulls and various other dog
medical supplies used to treat fighting injuries, and dog fighting paraphernalia.
Molina was charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver, three counts of related dog fighting/training and animal cruelty, one count of a felon not to possess a firearm and one count of drug paraphernalia.
Molina was stopped by troopers from the Avondale barracks in November for traffic violations at East Doe Run Road south of Lenape-Unionville Road in East Marlborough Township. Discovered during the stop was a pit bull that had severe injuries consistent with dog fighting, police said. Molina told police the dog was a stray, and the Brandywine Valley SPCA took possession of the dog. After a monthslong investigation, police executed a search warrant on Molina’s home last week and the evidence there supported an ongoing conspiracy related to dog fighting, police said.
As a result of the search, police seized six pit bulls, four rabbits, cocaine, a pound of marijuana, and several thousand dollars in cash.
Also seized at the home was assorted K9 training equipment, K9 first aid medical equipment, assorted drug paraphernalia and a loaded .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic handgun, according to police.
“It is beyond comprehension that animals could be forced to suffer like this for entertainment,” said Adam Lamb, chief executive officer of the Brandywine Valley SPCA. “We’re grateful for the diligence of the state police in pursuing this case, and we’ll support them in every way possible to find justice for these animals and prevent future suffering.”
The animals were immediately transferred to the BVSPCA West Chester Campus for evaluation and care. BVSPCA medical staff assessed the dogs to be in fair condition, while the rabbits were said to be in poor condition related to inadequate housing and lack food and water. All 10 animals will remain in the care of the BVSPCA as evidence as the case goes through the judicial process.
The adult mixed-breed dog had extensive and recent wounds on her face, legs and chest that SPCA veterinarians identified as consistent with bite wounds. The dog, named Nibbles by the BVSPCA staff, required two months of medical care, including reconstructive surgeries for her jaw and several surgeries to treat her wounds. A BVSPCA surgery technician has been fostering Nibbles, and she is now available for adoption to a forever family.
“This is happening in people’s neighborhoods and they have no idea, that’s the scary thing,” said Linda Torelli, director of programs at the Brandywine Valley SPCA. “It’s hard to believe how you can be entertained by it. It can happen anywhere. Sick people for sure.”
The seized animals are under protective custody at the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
The BVSPCA asks for the community’s help meeting the significant cost of medical care for Nibbles and what is likely to be a long period of care and rehabilitation for the other ten animals while the case works through the judicial process. Donations can be made at https:// secure.qgiv.com/event/ bvspca-crueltyvictims or by mail to: Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19382.
The Brandywine Valley SPCA is the first open admission no-kill shelter in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2017, the BVSPCA cared for more than 13,000 stray, owner-surrendered, wayward owned, and abused and neglected animals while achieving a 96 percent live release rate.