FLINT (WWJ) -- The Genesee County Sheriff's Office issued an arrest warrant for a local man believed to be involved in dog fighting, after a number of dogs -- eight alive, six dead -- were found chained up in horrifying condition in a backyard.
In a Facebook Live update on Friday, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson asked the public for help locating 29-year-old Casey Kidd and urged the man to "do the right thing" and turn himself in.
Kidd stands accused of one count of animal cruelty and abandonment and one count of second-degree habitual offender.
According to Swanson, Sergeant Jason White received a tip three weeks ago that led authorities to the severely abused animals.
Deputies found eight emaciated dogs chained up around the property. The remains of six other dogs were also in the yard, and it was clear that they had starved to death. All of the canines had injuries and scarring indicative of dog fighting or being used as bait.
The eight dogs that law enforcement recovered are currently in the care of animal control and the humane society.
Two of the dogs were micro-chipped and reunited with their owners as soon as possible. The happy reunions with Boo and Stella were posted to the GCSO Facebook Page.
"They were overwhelmed with joy," Captain Jason Murphy said of the families.
Stella's owners said the Boston terrier had been missing for three weeks from their home in Burton, nearly 15 miles from where the dogs were found.
Law enforcement believes the dogs may have been stolen and encouraged anyone missing a dog that looks like those pictured reach out to GCSO.
In addition to the current charges, Kidd also has a history of arrests for home invasion, drug possession and assault.
"Violence equals violence, abuse equals abuse," the sheriff said, emphasizing the importance of finding Kidd, who law enforcement considers dangerous.
Swanson made it clear that he does not want civillians attempting to confront or apprehend the suspect. Anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts should immediately call 911, contact GCSO at 810-257-3422, or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 810-422-JAIL.
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