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HAMMOND, La. (BRPROUD) — Did you know that dogfighting is a crime in every state?

On January 28, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office converged on Marie Dr. with a search warrant, searching for narcotics.

After arriving at the scene, TPSO Agents located “what appeared to be a dogfighting ring and operation.”

The search warrant led to the discovery of:

  • A large quantity of illegal narcotics
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • A single stack handgun with a silencer suppressor and cash
  • 12 dogs chained or otherwise attached to trees throughout the backyard of the residence
  • Tools commonly used to train dogs to fight
  • Scattered medical supplies
  • A secured 10 x 10 wooden box with three foot sides

Three people were located at the property and arrested. The suspects in this case are 32-year-old Zanobya Abron Brown, 20-year-old Tyler Pines and 44-year-old Calvin Brown.

  • Calvin Brown
  • Zanobya Abron Brown
  • Tyler Pines
Images courtesy of Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office

Calvin Brown owns the property where the dog fighting operation was found. He is facing the following charges:

  • Possession with the intent to distribute/manufacture CDS II,
  • Possession with the intent to distribute CDS I (Marijuana)
  • Drug Paraphernalia
  • Animal Cruelty,
  • Convicted felon in possession of a firearm
  • Possession of weapons while in possession of a CDS
  • Dog Fighting
  • Training and possession of dogs for the use of fighting
  • Possession of CDS IV narcotics
  • Possession of CDS II (Meth)
  • Duties of a registered sex offender to report a change of address

The other two suspects in this case are charged with the same crimes below:

  • Possession with the intent to distribute/manufacture CDS II
  • Possession with the intent to distribute CDS I (Marijuana)
  • Drug Paraphernalia
  • Animal Cruelty
  • Possession of weapons while in possession of a CDS
  • Dog Fighting
  • Training and possession of dogs for the use of fighting
  • Possession of CDS IV narcotics
  • Possession of CDS II (Meth)

Illegal gambling and drug sales often take place at dogfighting events. Cases of animal cruelty will always be taken seriously in Tangipahoa Parish,” Chief James Travis said.

On Friday, February 12th the pitbulls confiscated from an alleged dogfighting ring in Hammond were transported to no-kill animal rescue, Northshore Humane Society, for a second chance after living chained or secured to trees in a backyard for years.

After a two-week holding period, the dogs were released and transported to Northshore Humane Society, a no-kill animal rescue located in Covington, LA, where they are now available to be adopted into loving, forever homes. The shelter has named the group after Mardi Gras parades including Zulu, Endymion, Barkus and so on.  

“All of the dogs are extremely friendly and don’t seem to have any serious injuries or medical concerns,” said Northshore Humane Society Director of Operations, Alexandra Coogan. “We know they will make great companions and now need the community’s support to find them homes,” Coogan added.

Temporary foster homes are needed due to the shelter being at max capacity and limited staffing through the Mardi Gras holiday. If you are interested in adopting, pictures and profiles of each of the dogs can be found by visiting their site at northshorehumane.org/dogs. Donations will also be needed for medical care and can be made on their site as well at northshorehumane.org