The dogfighting promoter, at whose home a man was fatally stabbed on Sunday evening during arguments over losses from one of the matches, was previously charged with cruelty to animals after being caught organising pit bull fighting in the past, Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said yesterday.
While police had said that two women are in custody in connection with the investigation of the murder of Adrian Richmond, known as ‘Pinky,’ Persaud clarified that it is the promoter and her husband who are being held. He said the man was arrested sometime yesterday morning, while the woman was detained shortly after the killing occurred.
In a press release, police yesterday said the murder of Richmond, 31, of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, which occurred at about 6.30 pm at Industry Front Access Road, East Coast Demerara, was under investigation.
Investigators have so far found that Richmond was involved in an argument with three men over a dogfight, during which he was reportedly stabbed with an ice-pick. Richmond, the police said, was taken to the Georgetown Hospital, where he later succumbed.
Based on what this newspaper has been told, none of the three men have been detained.
Persaud told Stabroek News that the woman was previously charged in relation to pit bull fighting. He could not remember the exact time when she was charged but said police received information from animal rights’ activists about what was happening. He added that she was arrested and charged after police did surveillance and the woman who was identified as the organiser of the event.
Based on what Persaud told this newspaper, the dog fighting at that location stopped but was moved to Kitty. He said that they got information about this but could not find the location. “It then apparently went back [to Industry] and we didn’t know,” he added.
Asked about the force’s stance on dogfighting, Persaud told Stabroek News it is not only in relation to dogs but cruelty to animals on the whole. “It is an offence,” he stressed.
Based on the police’s knowledge, such activity is not widespread. “People see this thing as making money. They don’t consider whether it is legal or illegal, humane or inhumane. They just focus on the proceeds,” he explained, while calling on members of the public to be constantly alert on alert about such activity.
One of the dead man’s relatives told Stabroek News that the man and his brother had gone to the venue to witness the dogfighting. She made it clear that there were not involved in any gambling. “They went to look on. They [weren’t] gambling,” the woman stressed.
The woman also clarified that there were two visible stab wounds on Richmond’s body and not 15 as had been reported by this newspaper. She added that it was the doctor who pointed out the two stab wounds. A post-mortem examination on his remains is expected to be done today.
“A woman from town bring she pit bull to fight with Colin pit bull and she own lose and she get vex but pay. ‘Pinky’ de backing Colin own so he glad he win and they [persons part of the woman’s entourage] start to argue with he and cuss up… then one punch he in he face and another hold he down and start firing with a long jukker and people start fuh part and they beat out in the madness,” an eyewitness had recounted shortly after the incident.
This newspaper was told that dogfighting at the Industry residence was a regular activity on the weekends and people came from as far as Linden and Parika to participate.
The best kept secret
Animal rights activist Syeada Manbodh told Stabroek News yesterday that dogfighting in Georgetown is “one of the best kept secret that many street people know about.” She believes that this practice is also happening outside Georgetown.
“Many can tell you about seeing dogfights and the sheer brutality of the confrontations between pit bulls that have been turned into killing machines by men and women who seem to have no feelings at all for the animals that are maimed and killed, in their greed for money and quick thrills,” she said.
“Like garbage on the streets, these scandalous events should be banned from our society and those involved should be punished to the extent of the laws which need to be reviewed and updated,” Manbodh added.
She said too that the related danger to civic society such as pitbull attacks on innocent citizens and the baiting of pit bulls with innocent street dogs is “a national shame”.
“Such activities seem to be outside the radar of Guyana’s law enforcement and judicial system,” she further said.
As a result, Manbodh called for the setting up of a team of people “to find out how extensive it is and what needs to be done.”
A source told Stabroek News that this form of “gaming” is a big money sport that was started years ago by two men, one of whom was gunned down at his East Coast Demerara home several years ago.
The activity expanded to other areas, although most of the fighting locations are located along the East Coast.
Pit bulls are the preferred breed and a lot of money is pumped into training them for fighting.
The source explained that dogs that are bred for this purpose often have to get a trainer as they do not always respond well to their owners. In addition to that, their diet and exercise regimes are carefully managed.
Some of the animals are given tonics as part of their diet, while training regimes include the use of a “treadmill” for dogs.
Based on what this newspaper was told, pit bulls can start fighting from the age of four months. A pit bull pup from a “good fighting line” could be sold for as much as $200,000.
The source said the fights are like boxing matches and are governed by rules. The dogs are placed in a ring just like in boxing. It was explained that there are two trainers and a referee.
A trainer can give in at any point during the match. In the case that the dogs need to be parted, this newspaper was told a “breaking stick” has to be used to force their jaw open.
The source said that anything can be used to bet, including any amount of money or even dog food.
The source also said that there is really nothing involved for the organisers, who mostly organise the fights for fun.
It was stated that usually word about the events, which often take place on Sundays and holidays, gets around by word of mouth.
