Alleged dog fighting ring busted in the Quad Cities

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (AP) – An investigation into dog fighting in the Quad Cities has resulted in two arrests and the seizing of more than 60 dogs.

The police chief in Rock Island says 11 federal search warrants were executed yesterday in Rock Island and Davenport as part of a yearlong investigation related to dog-fighting, drugs and guns. Arrested were 41-year-old Ryan Hickman and 34-year-old Willie Jackson, both of Rock Island. Hickman is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Jackson is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis.

The Rock Island County State’s Attorney says a bunch of animal abuse charges are also possible under Illinois law. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken possession of the pit bulls.