A Mississippi resident who is allegedly responsible for breeding pit bulls to fight and then having them transported to St. Charles Parish was arrested on dog-fighting and drug charges in the midst of a multi-organizational sting that took place recently in Pass Christian, authorities said. Maxwell Landry, 28, 14310 Vidalia Rd., Pass Christian, Miss was arrested on April 24 in what originally started out as an investigation on a cocaine drug-trafficking conspiracy that led to 14 arrests total.
While searching the property, authorities uncovered a dogfighting setup including such paraphernalia as scales for weighing dogs before a match, breed stands used to mate aggressive dogs, treadmills used to prepare dogs for matches and extensive records noting successes and losses in dog fighting contests, according to information from the LSPCA.
Authorities seized 44 American pit bull terriers with extensive scarring from the property of Landry. He and 13 other suspects were charged in Count One of the indictment with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, said William Renton, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the operation.
“This case offers an ideal example of the synergistic effects that exist in multi-agency task force groups investigating drug trafficking organizations,” Renton said.
Animal rights activist and pit-bull rescue team leader Teresa McKinnon, of Gainesville, Florida, was outraged by the alleged fighting operation.
“This man is innocent until proved guilty, but I will say this: People who breed dogs to fight ought to be put in cages like the animals they abuse,” she said.
After taking the lead for the case from the LaFourche, Jefferson and St. Bernard parish sheriff’s offices,
The DEA team consists of special agents from the DEA, FBI, IRS, Jefferson, St. Charles, LaFourche, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Offices including the Louisiana National Guard.
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