Possible dogfighting ring uncovered in Bootheel

STEELE, Mo. -- A six-month investigation by the Steele Police Department and the Caruthersville, Mo., Humane Society has resulted in the discovery of a possible dogfighting ring at Steele.

On Friday morning, officers with the Steele police executed a search warrant at 504 Railroad St. in Steele that police say resulted in the seizure of five pit bulls, a large amount of cash, drug paraphernalia and possible dogfighting paraphernalia.

According to Capt. Beverly Alexander of the Steele police, authorities were still sifting through the evidence over the weekend, including weights and break sticks. Alexander also said that there was a possible dogfighting pit in the area.

The suspects, whose names are being withheld pending the filing of formal charges, are part of an ongoing investigation involving animal neglect and abuse, as well as possible links to pit bull fighting.

The seized dogs are in the custody of the humane society pending a deposition hearing Feb. 2.

Alexander said the investigation could be linked to the October 2007 dogfighting ring in Stoddard County. In the Stoddard County case, Jamie Sifford, 29, of Dudley, Mo., was sentenced to three years on dogfighting charges.