Washington DC

Man Charged With Animal Fighting After Dogs, Alligator Are Found in DC Home

A D.C. man was charged with felony animal fighting after officials found injured dogs and a 5-foot-long alligator at his home in Southeast D.C.

Jaquan Jackson was arrested Thursday, months after the Humane Rescue Alliance reported the discovery of the reptile and neglected dogs. In addition to finding the animals, investigators found photos and videos with graphic depictions of animal cruelty.

HRA President Lisa LaFontaine called organized dog fighting barbaric.

"The pain and suffering these animals endured was excruciating, and to think that it was all for entertainment is repulsive," she said in a statement.

In June, officers responded to a call about a dog "actively hanging itself from a chain" on Brothers Place SE. The dog died, hanging over a fence, HRA's statement said. The animal had wounds consistent with dog fighting.

The next month, the HRA received a tip about an alligator being kept in the basement of the same property. Video shows officers taking the lid off a large plastic container and finding the animal inside. The container was too small for the alligator, which caused damage to its lower jaw.

Twelve dogs also were on the property. Four of the animals had wounds consistent with fighting. One animal had to have part of a paw amputated and had the tooth of another dog lodged in her leg.

Jackson turned himself in to D.C. police after learning of a warrant against him, HRA said.  

It wasn't immediately clear if Jackson had a lawyer. Online court records show he was arraigned in D.C. Superior Court and released. The case will be presented to a grand jury.  

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