By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
“Nibbles” —a mixed-breed dog found by police during a traffic stop, showed injuries consistent with dog fighting, leading to an investigation and arrest last week.
The State Police have broken up an apparent dog fighting operation in Coatesville and arrested a city man on various charges of animal cruelty as well as additional drug and weapon charges. Six dogs and four rabbits were placed in the care of the Brandywine Valley SPCA.
The investigation began last November when troopers noticed wounds on a dog during a traffic stop of Dowayne Molina. The injuries were termed as “consistent with injuries from dog fighting,” prompting an investigation — and the animal was confiscated by State Police and put in the care of BVSPCA.
Molina faces animal cruelty, weapons and drug charges, following the execution of a search warrant at his home.
“It is beyond comprehension that animals could be forced to suffer like this for entertainment,” said Adam Lamb, Chief Executive Officer for BVSPCA. “We’re grateful for the diligence of the State Police in pursing this case, and we’ll support them in every way possible to find justice for these animals and prevent future suffering.”
A number of additional animals, found during the search, were immediately transferred to the BVSPCA West Chester Campus for evaluation and care. BVSPCA medical staff assessed the dogs to be in fair condition and the rabbits to be in poor condition related to inadequate housing and lack food and water. All ten animals will remain in the care of the BVSPCA as evidence as the case goes through the judicial process.
The dog discovered in November, an adult mixed breed dog, had extensive and recent wounds on her face, legs and chest that BVSPCA veterinarians identified as consistent with bite wounds. The dog, now named Nibbles, required two months of medical care, including reconstructive surgeries for her jaw and several surgeries to treat her wounds. A BVSPCA surgery technician has been fostering Nibbles, and she is now available for adoption into a forever family.
After many weeks of investigation, the State Police we able to get a search warrant for Molina’s Coatesville residence, and executed it last Wednesday, Feb. 21.
State police said they seized six pit bulls, assorted canine training equipment, canine first aid medical equipment, four rabbits, $2,693 in US currency, approximately one ounce of Cocaine, approximately one pound Marijuana, assorted drug paraphernalia and a loaded .40 caliber Glock semi-auto handgun.
Molina was arrested at scene and charged with two counts of Possession With Intent to Deliver, three counts of related dog fighting/training and animal cruelty, one count of Felon not to possess a firearm and one count of drug paraphernalia.
