Charges Dropped Against Suspect In Massive Dog Fighting Ring

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – A massive multi-state dog fighting ring busted this past December after an investigation that lasted more than a year. But now, the Baltimore state's attorney has dropped charges against one of the alleged ringleaders in the case--a move that has upset animal advocates.

Meghan McCorkell has more on what they're doing now.

Those advocates have started a petition to move the remaining dog fighting cases to a higher court. In just days, it already has gotten hundreds of signatures.

Hundreds of dogs beaten with rusty pipes, forced to pull weights to build muscle and commanded to fight to the death. The allegations are part of one of the largest dog fighting ring busts in Baltimore City.

"Blood spattered on carpets and walls. An actual ring where the dogs were being fought," said Det. Patrick Huber, Baltimore City Police Department.

An 18-month long investigation led prosecutors to file 297 charges against 22 defendants.

"In this unforgiving underworld the dog who loses a fight is routinely executed," said Thiru Virnarajah, State's Attorney's Office.

But this month, charges were dropped against alleged ringleader Javon Lee after a judge ruled the city failed to provide evidence to his attorney.

Now animal advocates have started a petition to move the remaining cases to federal court instead of city court.

"We couldn't just sit back and do nothing about it," said Karen Reese with Recycled Love, a group that rehabilitates abused animals.

Reese says there needs to be more focus on these cases.

"We have to do this. We have to demand that this case be brought to a level where they have the resources to prosecute," she said.

In a statement to WJZ, Marilyn Mosby's office says: "The State's Attorney takes animal cruelty cases very seriously. We are currently reviewing and assessing the circumstances surrounding the Javon Lee case, which is only one of the 21 other open and pending cases related to this incident that we are currently prosecuting."

"If they don't feel they can deliver, then I would hope they would do the right thing," said Reese.

So justice can be served for these animals.

The remaining defendants are expected to go on trial later this year.

For more information on the petition, CLICK HERE.