A recent investigation into suspected dog fighting in Pensacola has shed light on the challenge authorities face when trying to uncover and prosecute this underground crime. In late March, a search of a local man’s home led to the confiscation of six pit bulls, some showing signs of abuse and scarring, as well as dog fighting paraphernalia such as a spring pole, break stick, and a weight pull sled. Authorities were initially responding to a complaint about dogs being illegally tethered without water at a residence on Seamarge Lane.
The owner, 32-year-old Jerney Purifoy, was arrested and charged with multiple animal cruelty offenses, including using an animal to fight or bait another animal. He is set to be arraigned on April 17. According to Escambia County Animal Welfare Director John Robinson, the evidence found at the scene strongly suggests that dog fighting was taking place, though he noted that such cases are typically difficult to prove.
“There’s probably more fighting here than we’ve caught,” Robinson said. “It’s difficult to make your cases, so you’ve got to have all the pieces fall into place.”
Robinson explained that both dog fighting and cock fighting are prevalent in the Southeast, but professional dog fighting operations are clandestine, often hidden in remote areas where participants can conceal their activities. These operations are tough to track, and those involved typically know how to hide the evidence—such as fighting pits and dog yards.
While authorities are vigilant, the lack of visible evidence and the secretive nature of the crime make it challenging to catch offenders. Robinson noted that when dog fighting cannot be definitively proven, suspects may face lesser charges such as animal cruelty.
Experts distinguish between two types of dog fighting: amateur and professional. Amateur fights are more casual, often happening without any organization or structure, while professional dog fighting is a lucrative operation, with participants gambling on the fights and treating their dogs as valuable assets. These dogs are trained intensively, and some are even given drugs to enhance their performance.
Though pit bulls are commonly used in these operations, Robinson clarified a common misconception: professional dog fighters rarely use “bait dogs” to train fighting dogs, as they don’t want to risk damaging their prized animals.
The investigation into this case continues, with authorities looking into possible connections to other criminal activities such as drugs, guns, and human trafficking, which are often associated with dog fighting rings.
Public tips play a crucial role in exposing these operations, and Robinson urged the community to report any suspicions, no matter how small they may seem. “Sometimes a small complaint can lead to a much larger investigation,” he said. The investigation into Purifoy’s case, which started with a simple complaint about tethered dogs, underscores the importance of community involvement in tackling dog fighting in the area.
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