Man arrested on dog fighting charges in Bedford County
Bedford Co. Mugshot
William Travis Williams
Published: September 21, 2009
Updated: September 21, 2009
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office says its officers have arrested a North Carolina man on dog fighting charges, after an undercover investigation.
Investigators tell us they seized five pit-bull dogs in cages from the Best Western Motel in Bedford on Sunday, September 19th. Deputies believe the dogs were brought to Virginia for dog fights in Central Virginia and West Virginia. Among the dogs seized were “Rowdy,“ who investigators describe as a two-time champion, and his girlfriend “Mercedes.“
Rowdy
Bedford Co. Sheriff’s Office photo
Mercedes
Bedford Co. Sheriff’s Office photo
Officers arrested 25-year-old William Travis Williams, from Marshal, N.C., after deputies say Williams received $6,500 for transporting and selling the five dogs to undercover agents. The agents were disguised as “dog fight coordinators” from Central Virginia, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Williams is charged under a new felony law that makes it illegal to transport, own, train, or sell animals in Virginia for the purpose of fighting with another animal.
If convicted, Williams could face up to five years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Investigators took the seized dogs to the Bedford County Animal Shelter. Officers also say the investigation is still going on, and additional arrested are anticipated.
The Sheriff’s Office says it worked with the Humane Society of the United States on the seizure.
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Reader Reactions
I have to state displeasure with remarks made online that seem to generalize dog fighting as evil all together. There are cultures(Brazil and Thailand) that love dog fighting and love their dogs. They don’t abuse their dogs, but they fight their dogs. Dogs in those countries are trained much like athletes and treated well. Dog fighting as it should be is not a blood sport, but a test of “gameness” or willingness to push on and fight without flinching. The moment a flinch occurs the fight resets and the first Dog not willing to continue loses. Dogs do not die often from this and I do not view it as evil or even remotely wrong. What is wrong is the way certain American dog fights are conducted where the Dogs are mistreated by being beaten by owners, given restricted living area, and by being starved. If a dog is killed for losing, it runs against the ideal of the sport in the first place. Dogs that lose in other cultures are retired and live comfortably away from fighting.
My comment is this now. Please, law enforcement, politician, and civilian: Stop calling the sport evil. If it is conducted correctly it can be an ok thing.
Source for info on Dog Fighting:
“A Fighter’s Heart,“ by Sam Sheridan
Thank you Bedford County Sheriff’s Office! Let’s send a message that dog fighting is not welcome in our area!
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