Dogfighting suspect pleads not guilty in Cleveland courtroom

CLEVELAND - Collin Rand Jr., 33, pleaded not guilty to felony dogfighting charges in Cleveland Municipal Court Thursday morning. Bond was set at $7,500.

One week ago, police raided an E. 91st Street home following an anonymous tip. Officers removed 28 dogs from the house, some with deep scars and others with bloody scratches. Police said the home was not lived in and solely used for dogfighting.

The SPCA took the animals and Rand turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

"He called me and told me he thought they were looking for him and he walked in with me,” said Rand’s attorney Harvey Bruner. “I talked to the detective and told him I would walk him down here Tuesday morning, which I did, and I walked him down here to the warrant unit."

When asked about the gruesome charges and what Rand has to say, his attorney replied, "I have no comment about what he says at the moment. He denies his guilt, let's leave it at that."

Bruner said Rand has no prior criminal record and will post bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for January 13, but Bruner says Rand will likely be indicted before then.