LAUREL - Ronnell Jacobs, 45, of Laurel, has been arrested in connection with a dog fighting case in Seaford, the Office of Animal Welfare announced on Friday.
Mr. Jacobs, the sixth arrestee in the case, was charged with three felony counts related to dog fighting, and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. He was arraigned on Jan. 12.
Five other defendants arrested on Jan. 8 have since posted bail, the Office of Animal Welfare said.
According to authorities, Mr. Jacobs is being held without bail for a violation of probation connected to the charges. He remains incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution, the Office of Animal Welfare.
Mr. Jacobs is ordered to have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals pending the outcome of the case.
The Office of Animal Welfare said Mr. Jacobs fled from a Seaford residence where dog fighting was suspected on Jan. 8. Officers discovered information concerning his identity and location, it said.
Mr. Jacobs was found to be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole Office and wearing an ankle monitor. A review of his location on the date and time of the dog fighting incident put him at Seaford residence, the Office of Animal Welfare said.
On Jan. 12, the Office of Animal Welfare obtained a search and seizure warrant for the suspect’s Laurel residence, where four dogs were seized, two of which were found chained in the woods behind the home and had injuries consistent with dog fighting, a news release said.
The dogs are in the care of Brandywine Valley SPCA. Upon seizure, two dogs required emergency veterinary care. One of the dogs that required emergency veterinary care was determined to be unable to recover from their wounds and euthanized. The dogs are being monitored and evaluated by medical staff, the Office of Animal Welfare said.
To date, 18 dogs were rescued as a result of this investigation. Three dogs have died, two dogs have been adopted. The other dogs continue to recover; some soon ready for medical and behavior evaluation before they are released to be adopted.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case can contact Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.
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