A call to the PSPCA's animal cruelty reporting hotline has led to the arrest of a previously convicted dog fighter.

On Saturday, May 16, PSPCA humane law enforcement officers were called to a dogfight in progress on the 14XX block of Taylor Street in South Philadelphia. Upon arrival at the scene, PSPCA officers found two injured Pit Bulls, showing old and new fighting injuries and scars. Charles Powell, who was convicted of animal fighting in 2001, was arrested and charged with two counts of animal fighting. The two dogs, one needing immediate critical care for an infected puncture wound, were surrendered to the PSPCA, where they are currently under veterinary care.

“This was an important arrest for us,” said PSPCA Director of Investigations George Bengal. “Mr. Powell is a known animal fighter, running a large scale fighting operation. We are pleased this animal abuser is off the streets and unable to harm other helpless dogs. We are grateful to the person who contacted our cruelty hotline to report this crime.”

Calls to the PSPCA’s statewide, 24/7 cruelty reporting hotline are confidential. To report animal abuse, call 1-866-601-SPCA or email cruelty@pspca.org.