ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — New video shows the SWAT team outside an Escambia County home last week as authorities worked to take a dog fighting suspect into custody.
The man inside, 32-year-old Jerney Purifoy, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
The scene took place at the corner of Seamarge Lane and Lakewood Road on Friday. SWAT eventually had to break down the door to enter.
A neighbor speaking with WEAR News anonymously said officials had been outside the home all day.
“I peaked out my window and saw animal welfare was at the door. It didn’t look like anyone was at the house and they took the dogs,” the neighbor said.
Deputies believe Purifoy had a dogfighting operation at the property.
In the yard, you can see multiple run down crates. Multiple collars and a leash were under the car port.
More disturbing evidence was inside, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, including IV bags, wound supplies and even a book titled, “The art of conditioning the American pit bull terrier for combat.”
WEAR News is still working to obtain Purifoy’s arrest report.
The neighbor said he rarely saw the dogs, but he did hear them.
“The dog sounded like it was in pain,” the neighbor said. “I thought it could’ve been abuse or something or leaving the dog outside, because cars weren’t there often, mostly only at night. So I wasn’t sure if the dog was left out all the time, but occasionally I’d hear more than one howl.”
Escambia County Animal Welfare says they removed six dogs from the home and are now caring for them. They have not determined yet if anyone else is involved in the dogfighting operation.
Purifoy is out on $15,000 bond and set to appear before a judge April 17.
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