DONIPHAN COUNTY, KAN. —At the request of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the ASPCA^® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is assisting with evidence collection and the removal of 45 dogs from a property believed associated with dogfighting in the Doniphan County community of Bendena, Kan.

According to a media release from the KBI, a search warrant was executed Thursday morning by law enforcement where ASPCA responders discovered adult dogs and puppies living in deplorable conditions throughout the property. Some dogs appeared to exhibit scars and injuries commonly associated with dogfighting. Dogfighting paraphernalia was also discovered on the property.

Following execution of the search warrant, Colton R. Albright, 28, of Bendena, was arrested for 42 counts of dogfighting, four counts of possession of dogfighting paraphernalia, one count of animal cruelty, one count of possession of marijuana with the intent to sell, one count of felony drug paraphernalia, one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of criminal possession of a firearm less than 18 inches, and a drug tax stamp violation. Albright was transported to the Doniphan County Jail.

“We are extremely thankful that the ASPCA was willing to partner with us in this investigation. Their responders are best equipped to ensure these animals receive the treatment and care they require,” said Melissa Underwood, spokeswoman for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

“Sadly, dogfighting is more prevalent than many people think and it continues to be a popular underground activity throughout the country,” added Joel Lopez, Operations Director for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. “The ASPCA is grateful for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for working with us to tackle this horrific form of animal abuse. Our immediate goal is to transport these dogs to a safe place where they will receive much-needed care and treatment.”

The dogs will be transported to an ASPCA temporary shelter at an undisclosed location, where they will be cared for by ASPCA veterinary and behavior experts until custody is determined by the court. The ASPCA’s Legal Advocacy department will work closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure the best outcome for these animals.

The Great Plains SPCA and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting in the case.

Students headed back to school Thursday morning in St. Joseph and some Edison Elementary students traveled to class via the “walking school bus.”

“It’s like a normal school bus, but we walk around a designated area and we pick up kids on the corner or if it happens to be right in front of their house we’ll stop and pick them up as well,” Sam Donahoo, Walking School Bus Volunteer Coordinator said. “We do this because we have a different capacity, I think Edison only runs two school buses because you have to be outside of a mile of the school to be able to get to school on a bus and we have a ton of kids who live within that mile radius. So you’re young and you’re walking to school and we have fast streets like Faraon, Jules, 22nd… so this was designed to help get them to school safely.”

Donahoo said this year there are 21 regular volunteers which is up from 10 volunteers the first year. The goal is to soon have enough volunteers for another route on the west side of 22nd Street.

“It’s 7:45 until 8:30 in the morning, because after we get the kids here, we go downstairs and eat breakfast with them just to continue to build a relationship so they have an adult who is checking in on them, how are things going,” Donahoo said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can fill out an application by clicking here.

Thursday also marked the start of new Superintendent Dr. Doug Van Zyl’s first school year with the St. Joseph School District. Van Zyl joined the group of volunteers and students Thursday morning on the walking school bus route.

“Seems like there’s a lot of excitement in the air and kids are maybe a little sluggish trying to get off of their summer vacation but… once we get them in school and they see the excitement from the adults, we should be good to go,” Van Zyl said. “(I’m) probably just as excited as the kids, the first day of school is always an exciting thing for educators to be able to have that first opportunity to work with families and the kids and start off our school year the very best that we can.”

Dr. Van Zyl was named superintendent in February and his first day was July 2nd.

With many schools back in session this week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists and students to be alert on the road and around buses.

Highway Patrol Troop H Public Information Officer Sgt. Jake Angle said everyone needs to get back into “school mode.”

“Kids, parents, people out there driving on the roadways, because, obviously we’re going to have newer, younger drivers out there again going back and forth to school, we’re going to have kids on bicycles riding to school, walking near the roadway, things like that,” Angle said. “Everybody just needs to be aware of their surroundings… and if everybody takes their time, slows down, pays attention, you’re going to have a safe school year.”

With school being back, buses will also be on the roads. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2017, five people were killed and 401 people were injured in 869 traffic crashes involving school buses. Angle said when motorists see the bus lights come on, it is required by state law to stop while the bus is letting off or taking on students.

“When those lights come on, that stop arm comes out and that stop sign comes out, you are required to stop. It’s not slow down and move over, it’s stop. We have to give those kids and bus drivers plenty of room to get those kids on and off the bus,” Angle said. “Parents need to maybe… talk to the kids about the safe way to get on and off that bus, making eye contact with the bus driver, don’t just go running out into the street, we wait until it’s clear or that bus driver gives them the nod.”

The St. Joseph School District begins classes on Thursday.