Manassas man charged with 38 counts of alleged animal fighting

Animal Fighting Investigation – On February 6,  Animal Control Officers, in conjunction with the Prince William County Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit and Forensic Services Section, responded to a home located in the 9000 block of Ellsworth Rd in Manassas (20109) to execute a search warrant connected to an investigation of alleged animal fighting, Prince William County Police report.

As a result of the search, investigators seized 63 chickens and two canines from the property.

According to a report filed by 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok, police department representative, “Many of the chickens were found in a manner consistent with their preparation for fighting. Paraphernalia used to enhance a chicken for fighting, were also located and seized by investigators.”

Neither a description of the chickens “in a manner consistent with their preparation for fighting” nor a description of the alleged paraphernalia reportedly “used to enhance a chicken for fighting” was available.

The police department’s report also stated that the “investigation further revealed that the chickens were being bred, raised, and housed on the property for the purposes of being shipped. No fighting is believed to have occurred on the Manassas property.”

The two canines, both of Great Pyrenees or mixed breed, were removed due to inadequate care and were not involved in the alleged fighting activity.

The animals seized during the investigation are being held pending civil court proceedings. On March 1, following the investigation, investigators obtained multiple felony charges against the property owner, identified as the accused, Arwin Garcia PINGOL, who was subsequently arrested on March 3.

Initial information regarding the suspected activity was generated from a community tip, the police report stated. Prince William County’s Neighborhood Services, Loudoun County Animal Services, and the Deepwood Veterinary Clinic were mentioned as aiding in the investigation.

Arrested on March 3:
Arwin Garcia PINGOL, 35, of 9006 Ellsworth Rd in Manassas
Charged with 38 counts of felony animal fighting
Court Date: April 15, 2020 | Bond: Unavailable