Two men arrested in animal cruelty, dogfighting investigation in West Point
A West Point animal cruelty investigation has led to the arrest of two men.
The investigation began when officers responded to the 300 block of East 5th Street during the evening hours of Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 after a caller heard a dog in distress. As officers were in the area, they heard a high-pitched whine and observed a male, identified as Demarquez Jenkins, walking a pit bulldog on a leash.
Officers say they questioned the man about the whining dogs and the man told them when he walks one of the dogs, the other whines.
The dog Jenkins was walking appeared to be malnourished and appears to have a “stick protruding from the rectum,” police said.
“When questioned, Jenkins explained that this was for the purpose of helping the dog to use the bathroom,” police said. “Jenkins was asked about other dogs on the property and officers requested to view the dogs.”
Jenkins was detained based on suspicion of Cruelty to Animals.
In the back yard, officers located four raised dog cages, with one dog in a cage and an additional cage containing two dogs, all of which were whining.
As officers were investigating, another resident of the home arrived at the scene. The resident, identified as Tevin Hutchinson, was detained for suspicion of Cruelty to Animals based on previous conversations with West Point Animal control officer.
“Based on previous information and what was observed during the encounter with Jenkins, the Criminal Investigation Division was notified and requested to obtain a search warrant for the property based on cruelty to animals,” police said.
Upon obtaining a search warrant, officers discovered that the three dogs previously observed in the cages had been removed by unknown individuals, three homemade treadmills and one professional made treadmill, which are commonly used in the training of fighting dogs.
“All property observed in the shed was documented and seized, and one homemade style treadmill was located underneath the residence,” police said. “The items were photographed and collected as evidence.”
A search of the residence led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana, an AR style pistol loaded with a thirty round magazine, and a clear plastic bag containing an assortment of colored pills.
Demarquez Jenkins was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, dogfighting, possession of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
Tevin Hutchinson was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, dogfighting, and possession of marijuana.
If anyone has additional information regarding dog fighting and/or the training of dogs for the purpose of fighting, please contact the West Point Police Animal Control officer or members of the Criminal Investigation Division at 706-645-3528.
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