are thebasic wounds Animal Services says it looks for in dog fighting cases.But, thescars aren't the only injuries the animal has endured in its lifetime."He's got a dislocated toe," the officer pointed again.The dog is among eight animals seized from a North Taylor Road home in Brandon onMonday as part of a dog fighting investigation that started with a tip.Someone leftthe anonymous tip on the Hillsborough County Animal Services hotline, concerned about the well being of the animals in the home's backyard.Animal Services investigated and found the signs of dog fighting on several dogs.By the time a search warrant was served, Animal Services says the owner, 34-year-old Roland Hayes Sims, managed to remove at least four dogs from the property.Officers were able to seize four adult dogs, two puppies and two Maltese mixes from the house.But, that's not all...Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies who were also on scene say they found stolen lawn equipment, a stolen dirt bike, two guns and a single stick of explosives.Investigators say Sims admitted he was using the dogs for dog fighting, and the puppies they found didn't have loving homes in their future."Those animals were actually for sale as fighting animals or to be used later as fighting animals," said Corporal Ken Vetzel with Animal Services. "They have some medical conditions that did warrant emergency medical care."Sims, who has a long list of arrests in Hillsborough County, is facing multiple charges including animal cruelty, animal fighting and felon in possession of a handgun.He has since bonded out of jail.Neighbors we spoke to did not want to be identified, but they say they've driven by his home multiple times and never suspected anything."We don't know our neighbors as we used to. We used to know neighbors, and we no longer know our neighbors. It's a shame," said one woman.Animals Services says Sims did not give up his rights to the animals, soofficers will go to court to get custody.They remind thathad it not been for the one tip, this story could have had a different ending for the dogs.If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, you can report the crime to Animal Services during business hours at (813) 744-5660 or after hours at (813) 744-5550./>
