2 Men Arrested For Largest Dog Fighting Ring In Charlotte History

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by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins by Photographer Darnell Hart

Story Created: Feb 9, 2013 at 9:38 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 9, 2013 at 11:30 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Shannon Corkwell is now taking care of the 27 pit bulls seized as part of one of the largest dog fighting rings that Charlotte Mecklenburg Police and Animal Care And Control have ever investigated. "This is the largest one I've seen in 13 years. We've had a few busts here and there with a couple of dogs. Nothing this major," said Corkwell, an Enforcement Supervisor.

No one responded to our knocks on the door of the home owned by Lefonze Williams. The 42 year old and 46 year old Melvin Smith were arrested here on Friday morning on felony dog fighting charges. Beyond the compound's extensive wooden fence, C.M.P.D. says officers discovered the chained dogs, a dog fighting ring and dog fighting equipment.

Back at the animal shelter, Corkwell says her medical staff is treating some of the dogs for their minor injuries. None are life threatening. Vets are now trying to determine if these dogs can be rehabilitated and adopted. A process that could take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
"These are dogs that seek our attention. They want us to pet them.  They want us to play with them and somebody has taken them for their own blood sport and it's very saddening," said Corkwell.

Both suspects are now scheduled to appear before a judge on Monday afternoon. CMPD says they don't have prior dog fighting arrests on their records.

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