KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The prosecution of an Oshtemo Township man for his alleged involvement in dogfighting has been turned over to prosecutors in Calhoun County.
The property of Kelvin Thomas was raided by animal control in February. Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s deputies seized ten dogs.
Thomas has been charged with six counts, including possessing animal fighting equipment, animal cruelty, failing to vaccinate and failing to license.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting recused his office from the case. Getting said he was Thomas’ attorney when he was arrested and convicted in 2012 before Getting was elected prosecutor.
in 2012, they seized 32 dogs from Thomas’ property on KL Avenue. He was given probation, community service and a fine.
State legislators increased the penalties for being involved in dogfighting since Thomas was last charged in 2012. That fact and his previous convictions could mean a stiffer sentence if he is convicted this time.
Thomas was also reportedly served jail time for attending a local dogfight in 1992.
Thomas remains free on a personal recognizance bond pending a May 4 preliminary exam.
