Vigorous Investigation of Dog-Fighting in Gaston County (Gypsy)

A horribly mutilated pit-bull, named Gypsy, was found on April 11, 2005
dumped on a main highway (Wilkinson Blvd) and her wounds appear to be the result of dog-fighting. Her injuries were so severe, her right-front leg had to be amputated
due to the extent of mutilation and infection. According to reports,
the flesh on her face was literally rotting off, and when she first
arrived at Tri-County Animal Rescue, her mouth was "nothing but pus".
Tri-County Animal Rescue stated that the dog was "a bloody mess" when
she was found on the roadside.

No one has been charged and no arrests have been made. A report was
filed with Cramerton Police Department, but no further action has been
taken. Other recent reports of dog-fighting have gone un-investigated
in Gaston County. We feel that this demonstrates a
frightening trend around a very serious crime. Dog-fighting is a public safety issue as well as an animal cruelty
issue, and entire communities suffer from these criminal activities. It is simply not acceptable for these acts of violence to go unpunished.

Pictures of Gypsy's injuries can be found here: http://www.pet-abuse.com/database/case_photos.php?case_id=4402
These are very disturbing pictures as I'm sure that you can see for yourself.

We realize that Stephanie Hamlin, Assistant District Attorney for Gaston County
has contacted Pet-Abuse.com and stated that the members of the Gaston County District Attorney's office are
very interested in prosecuting the Gypsy case. If we
have any additional leads or
suspects, we will call Animal Control at 704-922-8677 or the DA's office
704.852-3113 .

We petition you, Honorable Michael Lands, that you vigorously investigate and prosecute dog-fighting crimes in Gaston County. We appreciate your and Stephanie Hamlin's work in this matter.