Sixth arrest made in Seaford dog fighting bust
SEAFORD, Del. – A sixth person has been arrested in connection to a recent dog fighting bust in Seaford.
Officials say 45-year-old Ronnell Jacobs of Laurel hs been charged with two counts of owning, possessing, keeping, or using an animal for the purpose of fighting, one count of being present at an animal fight, and two counts of cruelty or neglect to animals. Jacobs is currently being held without bail for a violation of probation related to this arrest, but not as a result of the charges themselves, for which he was reportedly released on his own recognizance.
Jacobs has also been ordered to have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals pending the outcome of the case.
Five people were arrested on January 8th after Delaware State Police and the Office of Animal Welfare responded to the 2600 block of Lonesome Road in Seaford. Officers found information concerning the identity and location of Jacobs, who fled the scene at the time. He was found to be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections’ Probation and Parole Office and wearing an ankle monitor, which linked him to the dog fighting incident at the Lonesome Road property.
On January 12th, a search and seizure warrant was obtained for Jacobs’ Laurel residence, where four dogs were seized, two of which were found chained in the woods behind the home and had injuries consistent with dog fighting. The dogs are now in the care of the Brandywine Valley SPCA. Officials say two dogs required emergency veterinary care, one of which was determined to be unable to recover and was euthanized.
To date, 18 dogs have been rescued as a result of this investigation. Three dogs have died and two dogs have been adopted. We’re told the other dogs continue to recover, with some soon ready for medical and behavioral evaluation before they are released to be adopted.
