A Gary man is facing nearly 100 low-level felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities broke up an alleged dogfighting ring, seizing 39 canines from an Aetna home last week.
Toney Lawson, 66, is in custody, held on a $15,000 cash bond.
Gary Police and a U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent responded July 1 to the 1000 block of Cass Street, Gary Police Officer Anne Malinoff wrote in the probable cause affidavit. There was a strong stench of animal urine and feces throughout the property.
They found 39 “severely neglected” dogs, likely pit bulls, in the house, garage, basement and backyard. Lawson told them he lived there and was watching them for a “friend.”
The other man has not been charged, according to public filings.
Police found evidence of “training” with leashes, flirt poles and weighted vests. Malnourished and scarred dogs were locked in crates throughout the property, records state, while others were chained to walls.
In the basement, police found a “homemade pool” for training, a chained dog, “red-brown” stains on the walls, court records state. There were 22 dogs locked in crates near the staircase.
In the backyard, police found at least three other chained dogs who were so starved, their ribs and hips were sticking out, the affidavit states.
Police noted there was no food or water anywhere near dogs found near the garage in 90-plus degree weather. Inside the garage, they found a half-dozen more animals, a treadmill, iron tablets and antibiotics, records state.
Lawson’s charges include several counts each of promoting an animal fighting contest and cruelty to an animal as well as one misdemeanor count of possession of animal fighting paraphernalia
Anyone with more information can call Gary Police at 219-881-7300.
