Authorities Identify Two Arrested in Dog Fighting Case
Earlier this afternoon, two defendants were brought before a judge at the Kankakee County Courthouse in connection with a search warrant executed over the weekend in Pembroke Township regarding a dog-fighting ring.
Billy E. Walker (45 years of age) has been charged with 22 felony counts: Animal Torture X2, Aggravated Cruelty to Animals X2, and 18 counts of Dog Fighting. He was released after a Kankakee County judge denied the state’s petition to detain.
The co-defendant, Yachia A Austin (43 years of age) has been charged with Manufacturing/Delivery of 400-900 grams of Fentanyl and Aggravated Fleeing/Eluding X2. Austin was detained on the State’s petition pending trial and remains incarcerated at the Jerome Combs Detention Center.
“This investigation uncovered some of the most disturbing and inhumane treatment of animals that our investigators have encountered,” said Sheriff Mike Downey. “The evidence recovered from this property, including makeshift dog-fighting pits, weighted training collars, spring poles, treadmills modified to force dogs to run continuously, and devices designed to stimulate aggressive prey drive, paints a horrifying picture of prolonged cruelty and abuse. Several of the dogs displayed severe scarring and untreated injuries that clearly indicate prolonged suffering and a complete disregard for their well-being.”
“Animal fighting is not only illegal, but also barbaric, and it will not be tolerated in Kankakee County,” Downey continued. “We are committed to working alongside KAMEG, the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office and Kankakee County Animal Control to aggressively investigate these cases, rescue animals from these conditions, and hold anyone responsible fully accountable for their actions.”
All Persons are Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law