04:30 PM EDT on Friday, July 1, 2005

By Dottie Wikan, WVEC.com

The investigation into the partial skinning of two pit bull mix dogs in James City County led police to a home in the neighborhood where one of the dogs was found.

Maj. Stan Stout told WVEC.com that no one has been arrested, but he said officers executed a search warrant just before 8:00 p.m. Thursday on Old Colonial in the Forrest Glen area.

"We were looking for evidence of dog fighting and cutting instruments. We found blood and have taken samples to compare to blood from the wounded dogs. We also seized a another pit bull mix dog that was under nourished," Maj. Stout said.

One of the dogs had to be euthanized. Nikki Hogge found that animal on Wednesday morning near a church on Jolly Pond Road.

"It looked like someone had taken a box cutter and taken it from one side of the backside all the way across the other and then there was a cut on her back and the skin was gaping open," she told 13News.

The other dog, a family pet, is doing well, according to investigators.

But the vet that treated them both is concerned.

"My fear is someone who would do this to a dog isn't too far away from hurting a person. A child or even an adult," noted Dr. Meredith Averitt with Toano Animal Clinic.

Police continue their investigation and ask anyone with information to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Meantime, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, based in Norfolk, is offering up to $1,000 to anyone who can give information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved.