DPH’s Office of Animal Welfare Announces Sixth Arrest In Connection With January 8th Dog Fighting Bust; 4 Dogs Rescued

DOVER, DE (Jan. 20, 2023) –   The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) announces the arrest of a sixth man involved in a Seaford dog fighting incident from January 8. OAW charged Laurel, DE, resident Ronnell Jacobs, age 45, with three felony counts related to dog fighting, and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. This arrest is in addition to the five previous individuals arrested on January 8 who have since posted bail.  

Ronnell Jacobs is currently being held without bail for a Violation of Probation related to his January 12 arrest on dog fighting and animal cruelty charges, but not as a result of the charges themselves, for which he was released on his own recognizance. He remains incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution. He is ordered to have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals pending the outcome of the case. Mr. Jacobs was arraigned on Jan 12 on the following charges: 

  • Two counts owning, possessing, keeping or using an animal for the purpose of fighting 
  • One count being present at an animal fight 
  • Two counts of cruelty or neglect to animals  

On January 8, Delaware State Police (DSP) and OAW responded to the 2600 Block of Lonesome RD in Seaford for suspicious activity and found multiple people at the property actively engaged in dog fighting. Five people were apprehended at the scene, while others fled on foot. During the investigation, OAW officers discovered 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. A review of the suspect’s location on the date and time of the dog fighting incident place put him at the Lonesome RD property. 

On January 12, OAW obtained a search and seizure warrant for the suspect’s Laurel residence, where 4 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 in the care of Brandywine Valley SPCA. Upon seizure, two dogs required emergency veterinary care. One of the dogs that required emergency veterinary care was determined to be unable to recover from their wounds and euthanized. The dogs are being monitored and evaluated by BVSPCA medical staff.  

To date, 18 dogs were rescued as a result of this investigation. Three dogs have died, two dogs have been adopted.  The other dogs continue to recover; some soon ready for medical and behavior evaluation before they are released to be adopted.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case should contact OAW at 302-255-4646

 

Animal Cruelty Complaints 

Cruelty and neglect of animals is against the law (https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030f/index.html). If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW immediately, at 302-255-4646 or report concerns online at https://animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25 . 

 

 

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 The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 
   

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.  


Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, Delaware State Police Rescue 14 Dogs; 5 Residents Face Felony Dog Fighting Charges

DOVER, DE (Jan. 11, 2023) –   The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) and the Delaware State Police (DSP) responded to a complaint of suspicious activity at a Seaford residence over the weekend resulting in charges related to dog fighting and the rescue of 14 dogs. One dog died from the injuries sustained from the alleged dog fighting activities. There are five (5) dogs that remain in serious condition, and another eight (8) dogs that are being cared for by Brandywine Valley SPCA.
 

On Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m., DSP responded to a report of suspicious activity around the 26000 block of Lonesome Road in Seaford. DSP conducted an investigation and discovered multiple people at the property actively engaged in dog fighting. DSP took five individuals into custody at the scene. Following the observation of animal fighting, OAW obtained a search and seizure warrant for the property units and took custody of the 14 dogs that were found at the residence.

 The defendants are: 

  1. Samuel Foreman, age 44, of Whaleyville, MD
  2. Timothy Whaley, age 44, of Salisbury, MD  
  3. Bryon Briddell, age 35, of Berlin, MD  
  4. Kevin Land, age 47 of Salisbury, MD or Seaford, DE
  5. Glenn White, age 36 of Salisbury, MD or Wilmington, DE
     

 

OAW charged all defendants with one count each of

  1. Title 11 – 1326 (000A) FELONY 
    1. Own, possess, keep, or use of animal for fighting 
  1. Title 11 – 1326 (000B) FELONY 
    1.  Present at a building/shed /room/yard for animal fight 
  1. Title 11-1325 (00B4) FELONY 
    1.  Cruelly or unnecessary kills or injures any animal 

 

Each of the defendants face the possibility of up to 3 years in prison for animal cruelty which is a Class F felony, and up to a 5-year sentence for animal fighting which is a Class E felony. The defendants posted bail on an $18,000 secured bond from Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI). Part of the bail conditions stipulate that the defendants they have no contact, possession, or ownership of any animals. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this case should contact OAW at 302-255-4646. 

 

Animal Cruelty Complaints 

Cruelty and neglect of animals is against the law (delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030f/index.html). If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare and suspect cruelty or neglect, contact OAW’s Delaware Animal Services section immediately at 302-255-4646 or report online at animalservices.delaware.gov/report_violation/25. 

 

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 
   

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com. 


Delaware Animal Services Seeks Tips In Dog Abandonment Case Resulting In Death

***WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE BELOW. MAY TRIGGER.***

 

 

 

DOVER, DE (Aug. 5) – The Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) is seeking the public’s help with providing any information that may lead to identifying the person responsible for abandoning a dog that was found clinging to life earlier this week. The dog was found in the brush, off North Little Creek Road in Dover, by DelDOT workers who immediately contacted DAS.  

OAW officers responded to the call and found the dog barely responsive. They rushed her to a local veterinary hospital for care. The emaciated dog lost most of her hair and was covered in sores and scabs. Despite best efforts to save her, she subsequently died from her condition. DAS is now seeking any tips from the public that may help find the person or persons responsible for this terrible act.

The female, medium-sized dog was left in a crate in very tall weeds set back off the road near the Route 1 overpass. She is estimated to be approximately two years old, had very long nails and was wearing a blue, orange, and white striped collar. She did not have a microchip. 

Due to her condition, the breed of dog could not be determined. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646 or online at animalservices.delaware.gov. Tips may be made anonymously. 

Unforeseen life events such as financial hardships, health concerns or behavioral problems may force Delawareans to give up a beloved pet. OAW provides assistance to pet owners to prevent similar circumstances from happening. Visit https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/oaw/rehomingdog.html for more information.

 


DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin welcomes two new K-9 officers to duty for the Division of Parks & Recreation

(Left-to-right) Parks Enforcement Officer Trevor Ditmore; K9 Officer Leo; DNREC Secretary Shawn. M. Garvin; Parks Chief of Enforcement Wayne Kline; Parks Enforcement Officer John Lister; K9 Officer Vos, Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens.

DOVER – DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin welcomed the Division of Parks & Recreation’s two new additions to their ranks, K-9s Vos and Leo. The K9 officers are officially on the job today, after graduating yesterday from the Delaware State Police Canine Program.

In August, Officers Trevor Ditmore and John Lister, of DNREC’s Natural Resources Police State Park’s Enforcement section, traveled to Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana, selected the two dogs, and brought them back to Delaware. The kennel, a full service canine teaching facility, has trained police and military dogs for more than 5,000 enforcement and government agencies. The dogs received further training for 12 weeks at the Delaware State Police Academy, which also provided time to bond with their partners.

“We are pleased to welcome K-9 officers Vos and Leo,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The addition of canine teams to Delaware’s state parks adds an additional layer of safety for park guests. Their presence will deter crime and at the same time engage the community. The teams will be available for outreach through demonstrations and programming to the community as a whole, and also to specific state park events and summer camps.”

Officer Ditmore will be stationed at Lums Pond State Park, and primarily serve northern state parks. He will be paired with Leo, a two-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd. Corporal Lister will be stationed with Vos, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois, at Cape Henlopen State Park, and mainly serve the southern Delaware state parks.

K-9 officers Vos and Leo are now fully trained for, among other jobs, scent tracking and patrol. The two will be able to fulfill multiple tracking missions to recover lost hikers, missing children and the elderly, and suspect apprehension. In addition to these duties, each canine team will specialize in either narcotic or explosive detection.

So far, more than $6,000 has been raised for the state parks K9 program by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, the Blue Heron Agility Association of Delaware, and through private donations. The public can support the program with tax-deductible donations through the Delaware Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899. The memo line should include Delaware State Parks K9 Fund. The public can also contribute to the Go Fund Me crowd-funding program at www.gofundme.com/support-new-de-state-park-k9039s.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 331


Protect Yourself and Your Animals During Cold Weather

picture of thermometer showing temps under zeroDOVER – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reminding residents to prepare both themselves and their animals as temperatures dip dangerously low this week. The National Weather Service is possible snowfall across the state Wednesday night into Thursday and near-record low temperatures with gusty winds Friday and Saturday.

Code Purple overnight shelters are activated across the state for people who are homeless, with additional nights expected through the weekend. Since most Code Purple sites use volunteers to manage operations, the activation and implementation vary by county and site. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1, visit www.delaware211.org and click on the Code Purple button, or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

Hypothermia is one of the greatest health risks to people in cold and freezing temperatures. Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, can occur in cold weather or if a person becomes chilled by rain. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected.

Prevent problems before they occur:
When heading out in cold weather, remember the following:

  • Water-resistant or waterproof outerwear is advisable to reduce the risk of hypothermia. Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothes, including extra socks, which can be removed if they become damp. Wear warm, comfortable shoes.
  • Wear hats, water-resistant coats, scarves or knit masks to cover the face and mouth, and gloves or mittens. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
  • Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Perspiration can increase heat loss, and wet clothing can chill the body rapidly.
  • When exerting yourself, it is important to remain hydrated by drinking water and other non-caffeinated beverages. Consuming alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can also cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
  • Cold weather can put extra strain on the heart, so individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow their doctors’ advice about exerting themselves in the cold.

Recognize the symptoms of frostbite:

Frostbite, an injury to the body that is caused by freezing, is another significant health risk in cold and freezing temperatures. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite increases for people with reduced blood circulation and among those who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin – frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:

  • A white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • Numbness

A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.

For more information on cold weather preparation, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html.

Protect your pet during cold weather:

Harsh weather conditions and cold temperatures can also be harmful to your pet. Take steps to keep them warm and healthy this winter:

  • Bring pets indoors. This is the safest place for your pet during cold temperatures. Short-haired pets or very young or old pets should never be left outdoors in cold temperatures, and all pet dogs and cats should be brought indoors when the temperature falls below freezing. According to Delaware law, dogs cannot be left outdoors during hazardous weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service. DPH urges people to closely monitor weather updates.
  • Protect outdoor pets from the elements. If your pet must be outdoors, you must provide a dry, draft-free shelter from the elements that contains moisture-resistant bedding such as straw or cedar shavings, which will help pets retain body heat. Housing should be appropriately sized for the animal and designed for animal sheltering. Pet owners should also provide a water-proof flap over the doorway to protect from wind and rain.
  • Ensure access to water at all times. Frequently check water bowls to ensure water is not frozen. If you typically use a metal watering bowl, replace it with plastic as a pet’s tongue can get stuck to metal in cold temperatures.
  • Additional food may be needed. Animals burn more calories in cold temperatures in order to stay warm, so you may need to increase the amount of food you provide. Check with your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs in cold weather.
  • Outdoor cats need attention, too. Whether outdoor cats are owned, stray, or feral, they need the same protection from cold weather as your pets. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, provide them with dry, warm shelter, as well as food and water to help them survive dangerously low temperatures. For your own safety, do not handle any unfamiliar animals, particularly if the rabies vaccination status is unknown. An animal may have rabies and not exhibit any external signs.

If you see a pet that has been left outdoors in cold temperatures without proper shelter or protection from the elements, food, or water, report it immediately to the Delaware Animal Services Hotline at 302-255-4646. For more information, visit: https://animalservices.delaware.gov/.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.