A Seffner man is facing charges after detectives said they found evidence of a dog-fighting operation on his property.
Conrad P. Warren, 41, is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, possesing animals for fighting and owning equipment for animal fighting.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, detectives responded to Warren's property on Parsons Avenue to investigate a complaint about dog fighting.
When they arrived, they met with Warren, who allowed them to inspect his property. The detectives noticed several kennels that were housing dogs identified as boxers. Detectives said those dogs appeared in be in good health, although none of them were up to date in their shots.
Detectives said they spotted a second location in a wooded area in the north end of the property. Detectives walked back to that area and found six adult dogs and one puppy identified as pit bulls, which are commonly used for dog fighting. The dogs were all chained to stakes, detectives said.
An animal services investigator examined the dogs and found that one of them had fresh wounds. The others had scares consistent with dog fights, the investigator said.
Detectives said they also found a shed with four wooden 2' x 20' pieces of plywood, which they said are used for the sides of a dog fighting cage or ring. They also found a treadmill of the type used specifically to train fighting dogs, detectives said.
Warren told the detectives the boxers were his, but he only took care of the pit bulls for other people. Detectives said he told them he was paid $50 each month for each dog, and that in exchange he fed and watered them.
Detectives said Warren told them that he was not aware the dogs were being used for fighting or how the dogs got their scars.
The dogs were seized, as was the dog fighting equipment.
The investigation continues. Additional arrests may be pending.