Eight dogs, thought to be used as bait, were found on county-owned property.

BROOKSVILLE – Deputies and other officials said they believe that eight dogs found chained or confined in makeshift kennels were being used as bait dogs in a dogfighting operation.

They were found on vacant land owned by Hernando County. The property is in the south Brooksville community, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

The dogs were discovered April 26 when sheriff’s deputies, an animal enforcement officer and a code enforcement officer went to the south Brooksville community to identify potential code violations. The purpose of the joint operation was to educate residents in the community regarding code violations and to issue warnings, if needed. Residents were also given information on anti-tethering laws and other information about how to be responsible pet owners.

While conducting proactive patrol at the end of Leonard Street, the deputies and animal enforcement officer saw eight dogs either tethered with heavy chains or confined in make-shift kennels on a vacant property. A thorough check of the GIS map revealed the property is owned by Hernando County.

The dogs were removed from the property and taken to the Hernando County Animal Services helter. The makeshift kennels were destroyed and chains impounded and weighed. One of the chains weighed slightly more than 10 pounds.

Deputies said they believe the dogs were possibly being used as bait dogs in a dog fighting operation. It is unknown who owned the dogs as they were located on county- owned property.

All dogs became property of the HCAS Shelter on April 30. Anyone interested in adopting one or more of them can contact HCAS at (352) 796-5062.

“The Sheriff’s Office is in the process of filling our community policing unit positions that were cut during the downturn in the economy. One of their first projects is to address many of the quality of life issues in the south Brooksville community,” Sheriff Al Nienhuis said. “My office is committed to working with the community and the board of county commissioners to address
all the concerns of this longstanding Hernando County neighborhood. Commissioner [Steve] Champion and I, in fact, recently hosted a town hall meeting and were encouraged by the community support for our increased involvement in this area of the county.”

Hernando County sheriff’s COPPS deputies will have an increased presence in the south Brooksville community in an effort to partner with citizens to reduce crime and to potentially root out dog fighting, officials said.

For information about the Hernando sheriff, go to hernandosheriff.org.

Photo courtesy of the Hernando sheriff.

Hernando Sheriff | Dog Fighting | South Brooksville | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

#HernandoSheriff  #DogFighting #SouthBrooksville #TampaBayNews #TBReporter