Anonymous tip uncovers dog fighting in Franklin County

Local animal control officers along with an Atlanta-based private investigative and security firm rescued two severely injured pit bulls from Apalachicola last weekend. The dogs were rescued after someone called an animal cruelty tip line sponsored by Norred & Associates out of Atlanta. Investigator Phil Gallacher, a former police officer who now works to rescue abused animals, said he was notified that a property on Bluff Road in Apalachicola was possibly being used as a pit bull fighting location. In addition to uncovering an alleged pit bull training and fighting site, Gallacher also found two severely wounded pit bulls at the site being kept on short chains. He believes the two dogs were used to train other pit bulls – one of the dogs had over 70 puncture wounds across its face and body consistent with dog bites, the other had at least 30 puncture wounds along with various other injuries including split gums and lips. Because of the severity of the dogs’ injuries, Gallacher immediately notified Franklin County Sheriff Skip Shiver, who promptly dispatched investigators and Animal Control. Mister Gallacher said that “Of the over 250 dogs his team has rescued, these dogs were in the worst condition of any he’s seen.” Gallacher says he was disgusted at the deplorable condition of the dogs and does not yet know if the dogs can be saved or if they will need to be put down. The investigation is ongoing. All evidence has been submitted the Florida State’s Attorney’s Office for possible criminal prosecution. For people who have knowledge of dog fighting in Franklin County, there is a toll free animal cruelty tip line to report it. That number is 1.877.215.2250. Calls are confidential, and callers are eligible of rewards up to $5,000 for any notification that results in an arrest and conviction. The toll free animal cruelty tip line number again is 1.877.215.2250.