GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – A man was arrested on animal cruelty charges after Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers say he was running a dogfighting operation.
Officers arrested Christopher Eugene Thompson, 54, of Cleveland, Tenn., on Monday afternoon during a raid.
They said they received a complaint on Jan. 11 of a dog on a tether and other dogs in kennels on Thompson’s property on Southwest First Street in Gainesville.
The dogs didn’t have access to food or water and were being held in makeshift cages. They were described as mixed breeds and multiple colors.
Officers said Thompson took ownership of all the dogs on the property and would not allow officers on the property to perform a wellness check on the dogs.
On Feb. 4, Alachua County Animal Resources & Care officials said they received an email from a citizen that included a picture of a light brown down that was emaciated, in a kennel with feces scattered around it, and the water bucket knocked over.
The dog’s owner had a case with Alachua County Animal Resources & Care from Oct. 11, 2018, where the county petitioned for custody of a young puppy that had head trauma and a laceration that he failed to treat humanely.
During their search of the property, officers said they found evidence for the investigation.
Officers said Thomspon had pedigree information contained within his devices related to dogfighting, including advertising online.
He had a “rape stand” and spring poles on his property consistent with dog fighting. According to ASPCA, a “rape stand” is used to immobilize female dogs for breeding purposes; a spring pole is used to strengthen a dog’s bite, neck, and leg muscles as he pulls or hangs from the end.
Officers said blood found on bite sticks and training poles will be tested for canine DNA.
Multiple bloodline excerpts and literature, used by dogfighters to keep track of which breeds win the most, were found and removed from the scene.
Police said Thompson deprived the 14 dogs on the property of clean food, water, and proper exercise, with the dogs in unhealthy conditions and weight ranges.
Officials said the dogs are currently being cared for by a veterinarian and are in the custody of Alachua County Animal Services.
During their investigation into animal cruelty, officers discovered evidence of several other felony violations. These included maintaining a drug dwelling; trafficking in cocaine; possession with intent to sell; possession of drugs within 1,000 feet of a city park; possession of a synthetic cannabinoid; possession of a short-barreled shotgun; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Thompson is a nine-time convicted felon; his most recent offense was fleeing and eluding authorities.
He faces 14 charges and has a bond set at $1,080,000.
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