ANOTHER PERSON ARRESTED FOR ORGANIZING DOG FIGHTS IN DERVENTA

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 19 /SRNA/ - Another individual was arrested today on suspicion of organizing dog fights in Derventa, where police disrupted the abuse of animals and found BAM 50,000 in various currencies near the fighting ring.

The Ministry of the Interior of Republika Srpska /MUP/ announced that searches of vehicles and the investigation at the site in Derventa are still ongoing, following last night's police operation that stopped the organized dog fights. The statement said that veterinary service representatives were brought to the scene last night to assist injured dogs, and that the Republic Inspectorate is also involved in the investigation. "Today, another person was deprived of liberty on suspicion of organizing the aforementioned event," the Ministry said. Police officers of the Republika Srpska Interior Ministry arrested 14 people last night in Derventa during "Operation Sambo," aimed at preventing animal cruelty and the organization of dog fights. The operation was carried out by the Criminal Police Administration in cooperation with the Doboj and Banjaluka Police Administrations and the Gendarmerie. During the search of one location in Derventa, 84 people were found - citizens of Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, the Federation of BiH, and Republika Srpska. Police interviewed 70 people as witnesses, while reports will be filed against 15 individuals for the criminal offenses of animal cruelty and torture, illegal production and trafficking of narcotic drugs, and enabling the use of narcotics, the statement added. "At the scene last night, police found the remains of killed dogs, several injured dogs, a quantity of narcotic substances, and other items connected to the listed crimes. Near the fighting ring, officers also found and temporarily seized BAM 50,000 in various currencies," the Ministry stated. All actions are being carried out under the supervision of the District Prosecutor's Office in Doboj.