TBI agents searching for drugs find evidence of dogfighting in Chattanooga

Law enforcement agents searching for drugs at this house on Talladega Road in Chattanooga on Friday found evidence of dogfighting in a shed behind the house. They arrested Jackie Marcellus Ward on drug charges but no charges have been filed related to dogfighting. Staff photo by Tyler Jett

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents didn’t expect to find evidence of dogfighting Friday at 6302 Talladega Ave.

They say they came looking for drugs, yet there it was, in a red shed behind a house in the Shepherd community. Metal rods for the dogs’ mouths. A treadmill for the dogs’ training. Carpet and paneling, stained with blood.

“All that is pretty classic dogfighting paraphernalia,” said Karen Walsh, executive director of the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center.

Once the TBI discovered the alleged dogfighting site, they called Walsh to survey the scene.

It’s a crime experts say is prevalent, but hard to find.