DETROIT (WWJ) - A 29-year-old man is jailed is jailed on multiple felony charges, accused of running a dog fighting ring in Detroit.
Julian Akyan of Detroit was arraigned via video in 36th District Court on Moday, following his arrest over the weekend.
Prosecutors charged Akyan with possessing dogs for fighting, cruelty to animals and weapons offenses two days after investigators discovered dozens of dogs at his home on Edmore Street.
On March 8, 2019, at 12:50 p.m. an investigation was conducted by the Detroit Police Department and the Michigan Humane Society at a house in the 14000 block of Edmore and three other Detroit locations connected to the defendant. As a result, approximately 30 dogs were recovered with bite trauma and injuries consistent with dog fighting.
It is alleged that the defendant possessed animals and equipment for the purpose of illegal dog fighting.
Akyan faces the following felony counts: Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Animal Fighting; Possession of Fighting Animals/Equipment; Cruelty to 10 or More Animals; Cruelty to 4 to 10 Animals; Felony Firearm; Felony Firearm; Felony Firearm; Felony Firearm; and Felony Firearm.
Bond was set at $50,000/10 percent, on the condition that Akyan have no contact with animals if he is released.
Akyan will be back in court for a Probable Cause Conference on March 21, following by a Preliminary Examination on March 28.