Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATTF) officers are hoping to
put a stop to dog fighting in Santa Clara County.
Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATTF) officers are hoping to put a stop to dog fighting in Santa Clara County, and the arrest of 22-year-old Vincent Gaeta of Morgan Hill may be the beginning of the end.
Gaeta, whose address was listed incorrectly in Friday’s Police Blotter, was arrested at his family’s home at 15865 La Prenda Court last Tuesday afternoon.
Felony charges of possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine and possession of dogs for fighting are pending. Gaeta later posted bail. A search warrant was exercised at Gaeta’s other address, 845 East Main Ave., where RATTF officers found the drugs and $4,989 in cash, as well as evidence to suggest Gaeta kept and trained dogs for fighting.
A male pit bull named “Corona” was taken from the residence to the animal shelter. Corona had numerous wounds and scars, apparently caused by organized dog fighting, according to Sgt. Brian Kneis with RATTF.
Kneis said many other crimes, besides cruelty to animals, are often connected with dog fighting. Because of the nature of the activity, those that fight dogs and those that watch and place bets tend to keep the fights a close secret.
RATTF officers do not only investigate auto theft. If they come across evidence or information leading to crimes in other areas, they uphold the law.
The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to call RATTF at 808-4555 or Crime Stoppers at 947-STOP.
