New leash on life: Former dogfighting pit bull now a K-9 deputy

Mr. Nibbles K-9 deputy (WCTI via WSOCTV.com)

Mr. Nibbles K-9 deputy (WCTI via WSOCTV.com)

A pit bull seized from an internationally known dogfighting ring has found a home and a new job in eastern North Carolina.

The dog was one of 31 sickly animals taken from the suspected dogfighting ring in Canada in 2015. Now, K-9 Deputy Nibbles is the newest member of the Craven County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Nibbles’ swearing-in ceremony took place Thursday, and it was emotional.

“I made a promise to these dogs that I would follow through with every one that comes into my program,” said Carol Skaziak, the founder of Throw Away Dogs Project.

Her organization works to donate rescue dogs to law enforcement agencies and took in Nibbles after he was seized.

K-9 Deputy Nibbles swearing-in ceremony (WCTI)

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Nibbles has had a hard life, and deputies are glad to see him happy and healthy. Sheriff Chip Hughes said adding the animal to the K-9 program helps combat the stigma surrounding pit bulls.

"You know, it's all in the way you bring them up, and in this case, train him," Hughes said.

Deputy Nibbles will soon be a narcotics dog and will spend a week bonding with his handler before he begins his training.

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