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Nashville to review handling of dog-fighting complaints

Andy Humbles
ahumbles@tennessean.com

An investigation into how previous dog-fighting complaints made in Nashville have been handled is now being conducted by Metro's Office of Internal Audit.

The investigation stems from a dog-fighting operation uncovered Tuesday in Bordeaux that resulted in 38 animals being recovered from two addresses next to each other on Pewitt Road. Michael A. Davis, 34, is the lead suspect in the case.

The Metro Health Department initially launched an internal investigation Wednesday because it discovered lack of documentation by Metro Animal Control and Care on two complaints related to dog fighting at the same locations on Pewitt Road. One complaint was made in 2010 from one address and another in 2013 from the other address.

Metro Health requested the Office of Internal Audit take over the investigation to look at dog-fighting complaints throughout Davidson County.

"We are looking to see if there were more cases that were not documented," Metro Health spokesman Brian Todd said. "We feel this is very serious."

Two Metro Animal Control officers were placed on paid leave Wednesday. They are not individually under investigation, Todd said.

One of the dogs recovered has died, Todd said. The majority were taken to an undisclosed Metro government-owned location, and two got loose from their kennels overnight Tuesday into Wednesday and probably fought.

One of the animals was found dead Wednesday morning, and the other was injured though is expected to recover. Three dogs had minor injuries, probably from the excitement in their kennels.

The dog kennels have been strengthened, and the undisclosed offsite location is now being staffed 24 hours.

Reach Andy Humbles at 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @AndyHumbles.

Supplies needed

  • Treats or bully sticks
  • Durable toys such as Kongs (and peanut butter to put inside)
  • Towels or blankets, but not quilts
  • Cleaning supplies such as paper towels, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent

For information, email macc.news@nashville.gov or visit nashville.gov/Health-Department and click on Animal Control.