Possible dog fighting operation in Kalamazoo and beyond

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Tonight, Newschannel 3 is digging into a possible dogfighting operation in Kalamazoo.

According to court documents, Travis Fields is facing three felony counts including one for animal fighting.

Reports say the investigation is far from over, with one man already arraigned and another on the run.

Investigators say they believe Fields, 42, is one of the leaders involved in a dog fighting operation in Kalamazoo.

According to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office and court documents, Fields allegedly would breed, sell, and buy pitbulls all across Michigan and out of state for dog fighting.

Sources say it could stretch as far as the Carolinas.

Police have been to two homes in Kalamazoo--one on Park Street, the other on Edwards, during their investigation, which dates back to last year.

We're told at least 22 dogs were involved, and the prosecutor's office believes these dogs were trained at one of those locations.

Police are also looking for another man who they allege is heavily involved with the operation, Sam Steele III, wanted on a murder warrant as well as in connection with the killing of Milo Conklin in April of last year on Mabel Street.

Fields told Newschannel 3 that there was no evidence of dog fighting and he'll have his day in court, laughing off the thought that he was involved in such an operation.

Fields was previously in trouble in 1997, arrested for attending a dog fight. He received probation for a year.

He's due back in court April 26th.
Possible dog fighting operation in Kalamazoo and beyond