COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A North Lawndale man admitted he hosted dog fights after police found four emaciated pit bulls tied to chains in his basement Wednesday, authorities said.
Antonio Curry, 33, told officers he's been paid $5,000 over the last eight months to host dog fights in his basement, according to Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti.
Police executed a search warrant at Curry's house in the 1300 block of South Karlov Avenue about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday. Court records show the officers were looking for signs of dog fighting.
Four medium pit-bull mixes were tied to heavy chains in the basement, according to an arrest report. The dogs — three females and one male — were emaciated with visible hip and rib bones. Police said scarring on the heads and snouts suggest the dogs had been in fights.
All four dogs were taken to Animal Care and Control.
Curry also gave several puppies to his girlfriend after he learned he was arrested, one of his neighbors told DNAinfo Chicago Thursday evening.
At least one puppy could be seen running around inside his home Thursday evening. Curry's aunt and girlfriend, who were at the home, refused to provide any further information to a reporter.
The basement windows to the home were boarded up.
According to the neighbor, Curry is a "nice" person who knows everyone on the block and could often be seen walking his dogs around the neighborhood.
Police on Wednesday also found a treadmill, chains with collars attached and a spring pole — items used to train dogs to fight, according to a police report. Among other items were dog vitamins and a bag of veterinary plasma.
Curry was charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty and promoting dog fights. He was also hit with misdemeanor charges for not having vet records, city licenses or rabies tags for any of the dogs.
Cook County Judge Adam Bourgeois on Thursday ordered Curry held in lieu of $200,000 bail.
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