Two West Point Men Arrested with Various Cruelty to Animals Charges

Two men in West Point have been arrested by the West Point Police following concerning calls from residents about dogs in the area.

“On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at approximately 6:35 p.m., officers from the West Point Police Department responded to the area of 310 East 5th Street in West Point, Georgia, due to reports of a dog in distress. It is important to note that there have been multiple calls concerning dogs whining at this residence. While in the area, officers heard a high-pitched whine coming from 310 East 5th Street and saw a Black male, later identified as Demarquez Jenkins, walking a pit bull on a leash,” reported the West Point Police.

 From left: Demarquez Jenkins, Tavin Hutchinson

Officers questioned Jenkins about the whining dogs, to which he responded that when he walks one of the dogs, the others begin to whine. The pit bull Jenkins, who was walking, appeared to be malnourished. While speaking with him, officers noticed what seemed to be a stick protruding from the dog’s rectum. When asked about this, Jenkins explained that it was intended to help the dog use the bathroom. Officers then inquired about other dogs on the property and requested to see them. Jenkins was subsequently detained on suspicion of animal cruelty.

In the backyard, along with Jenkins, officers found four raised dog cages. They observed a total of one dog in one cage and two dogs in another cage, all of which were whining. In total, four cages were located at the rear of 310 East 5th Street.

Tevin Hutchinson arrived at the residence in a vehicle and was also detained on suspicion of animal cruelty based on prior conversations with the West Point Animal Control officer.

“Considering the previous information and what officers observed during their encounter with Jenkins, the Criminal Investigation Division was notified, and a search warrant for the property was requested on the grounds of animal cruelty,” the police added.

Upon obtaining the search warrant, officers executed it at 310 East 5th Street in West Point, Georgia. They gained entry by walking along the driveway on the west side of the residence. A search revealed that the three dogs previously seen in the cages had been removed by unknown individuals. Officers discovered three homemade treadmills and one professionally made treadmill, which are commonly used for training fighting dogs. All items in the shed were documented and seized, and a homemade treadmill was also found under the residence. These items were photographed and collected as evidence.

A search of the residence was carried out by entering through the front door. In the northeast bedroom, officers located a small amount of green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, an AR-style pistol loaded with a thirty-round magazine, and a clear plastic bag containing an assortment of colored pills.

If anyone has additional information regarding dog fighting or the training of dogs for fighting purposes, please contact the West Point Police Animal Control or members of the Criminal Investigation Division at 706/645-3528.

Demarquez Jenkins was arrested and charged with the following:
– Cruelty to Animals (O.C.G.A. 16-12-4)
– Dogfighting (O.C.G.A. 16-12-37)
– Possession of Marijuana (O.C.G.A. 16-13-2)
– Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (O.C.G.A. 16-11-131)

Tavin Hutchinson was arrested and charged with:
– Cruelty to Animals (O.C.G.A. 16-12-4)
– Dogfighting (O.C.G.A. 16-12-37)
– Possession of Marijuana (O.C.G.A. 16-13-2)

Additional charges may follow.