Reward Offered for Capture and Arrest of N.C. Dogfighting Suspects

August 2, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Humane Society of the United States is offering up to $2,500 for information leading to the capture and arrest of North Carolina residents Lawanda Ragland, of Vance County, and Mark Anthony Davis of Wake County. They are suspected of raising pit bulls and bullmastiffs for dogfighting and are facing animal cruelty charges.

According to The Daily Dispatch and local authorities, the Vance County Sheriff's Office is seeking Ragland and Davis after they failed to turn themselves in to authorities on July 20. They were to be served warrants for animal cruelty after Vance County Animal Control confiscated seventeen dogs reportedly belonging to them on July 19. The dogs were believed to be abused and neglected.

Ragland and Davis face 22 counts each of misdemeanor animal cruelty, including charges for depriving an animal of food and water. Vance County Animal Control Chief Alexander Hargrove said five counts are for failure to provide necessary medical attention.

After the confiscation on July 19, Hargrove could not determine if the dogs were used for illegal fighting, however, he now believes Ragland and Davis raised the animals to be sold as fighting dogs, according to news reports. Tips to his office lead investigators to believe that the dogs might have been taken to Georgia to participate in dog fights.

According to North Carolina law, Ragland and Davis could face felony-level penalties if they are found guilty on charges related to dog fighting.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Robert Reder, North Carolina state program manager for The Humane Society of the United States is based in Raleigh and available for interviews. Contact: 919-553-2217 or rreder@hsus.org.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.