Man faces felonies for dog fighting

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo man is facing three felony charges for his alleged involvement in dog fighting.

Travis Fields, 42, is charged with two counts of animal fighting. According to court records, he knowingly used, possessed, bought or sold animals for baiting. Fields is also accused of breeding or training animals for fighting.

The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office told 24 Hour News 8 they believe more than 20 pure bred pit bulls were used in the possible dog fighting operation.

It's believed to have taken place at a home on Edwards Street and another home on Park Street in Kalamazoo.

Court records list the Edwards Street home as Fields' residence.

Investigators are also looking for another man, Sam Steel III, they believe is involved. Steel faces possible charges of animal fighting and breeding or training animals for fighting.

Additionally, police say Steel was one of the two men involved in the April 24, 2011 shooting that left Milo Conklin, 25, dead.

Steel is wanted on six felony charges: open murder, assault with intent to murder, felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of felony firearm, and is considered armed and dangerous.

The prosecutor's office said they found evidence in the dog fighting case in a paperwork trail on the Internet.

Investigators believe the dog fighting operation was widespread.

The investigation all started in August 2011 when three dogs got loose off their chains in the yard and started fighting each other.

Neighbors saw the dogs being aggressive and called police.

Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement told 24 Hour News 8 one of those dogs died. They destroyed the other two due to the severity of their injuries.

That situation prompted search warrants at the two homes, sparking the lengthy investigation.

While more than 20 dogs are believed to be involved in the alleged dog fighting operation, investigators said they have linked the dogs to paperwork. They have not been able to physically locate the dogs.

If convicted on the felony charges, Fields could face up to four years in prison.

He's expected back in court April 26.