Detectives Rescue Dog From Suspected Fighting Ring, Seize Guns From Scene

A New York cop is being hailed a hero after he led fellow NYPD detectives to a grisly dog-fighting circuit, rescuing a pit bull in the process, according to authorities.

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Detective Anthony LaFemina received a tip from a local animal hospital near his Brooklyn precinct about alleged animal cruelty and dog fighting at one home following the death of an 11-month-old pit bull from the residence.

The detective began his investigation last month and when he visited the late dog’s owner he says he saw a second dog with marks across its face consistent with dog fighting. He also said he found dog fighting paraphernalia, which led him to investigate further.

“I have rescued dogs that I have found abandoned, and I have three pit bulls of my own. I’m a huge animal lover,” Detective LaFemina told NYPD News.

With the help of NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad detectives and representatives from the ASPCA and members of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit A-Team, LaFemina and his team went into the residence earlier this month where they arrested the 48-year-old owner of the dog and saved the pit bull.

In the process, they seized two guns, one that was reported stolen; 12 knives, a crossbow, a rifle, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The owner of the dog, who has not been named, was charged with animal cruelty, criminal possession of a weapon (multiple counts) and multiple agricultural market law violations.

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The pit bull was taken in by the ASPCA, where the animal is undergoing treatment.

Brooklyn’s 77th precinct congratulated LaFemina and his team, posting the news on Twitter.

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