NPSO: Second arrest made in alleged dog fighting scheme

NATCHITOCHES, LA (KSLA) - Two people have been arrested for their alleged roles in a dog fighting scheme in Natchitoches Parish.

Back on April 17, deputies with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division assisted by the Natchitoches Police Animal Control and NPDC Animal Control Units issued a search warrant in the 1500 block of Eight Mile Loop near Natchitoches, Louisiana.

During their search, detectives seized 23 pit bulls and other animals. Deputies say several dogs had visible scarring and markings to the head, neck and legs.

Detectives also seized a dog treadmill and pulley system that was attached to a nearby building, bite bags that were attached to metal coil springs, whey protein and creatine as well as several bottles of wound cleanser.

Deputies say they also seized a portable computer, ammunition, two police scanners, drug paraphernalia and two ATVs, one of which was found to have been stolen from Sabine Parish.

Detectives say the dogs were staked with chains less than 15 feet to various locations around the residence.

A chain link pin was also reportedly found on the property that is believed to have been used for training or fighting the dogs.

Authorities say 4 of the dogs were euthanized.

Ivory Hicks, 43, was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, dog fighting and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was later released on bond.

On May 1, detectives arrested a second person, 27-year-old Alan Skinner for one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, principal to dog fighting and possession of drug paraphernalia. No bond has been set.

The alleged dog fighting scheme remains under investigation.

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