Multicounty Dogfighting Ring Busted up in Georgia
Two Others Face ChargesUPDATE 10/29/08: Two Gilmer County men, roughly 30 miles north of Canton, may also face charges. The three raids Tuesday turned up 30 pit bulls, all of whom had scars consistent with dogfighting. Law enforcement officials have conducted eight raids on dogfighting operations since May, which is when Georgia outlawed the brutal practice.
Information leading to the arrests was provided by the Humane Society of the United States tip line. Callers receive $5,000 upon conviction: 877 -TIP-HSUS.10/28/08: Multicounty Dog Fighting RingCanton, GA - Cherokee County deputies arrested 44-year-old
Randall Thaxton. He's charged with animal cruelty and dogfighting. Officers seized 11 pit bulls from his home. Officials told reporters Thaxton was breeding and possibly training dogs for fighting. Sheriff Roger Garrison said, "The majority of them are in pretty good shape." The fate of the seized dogs is unknown.
Deputies say they found a treadmill used to train fighting dogs and a rape stand where animals would be strapped down for breeding (pictured). Greg Norred, a private investigator, aided a handful of agencies in the investigation. He told reporters, "It's widespread. It's organized, and what concerns me is it's not just dogfighting for sport. There's a direct correlation with dogfighters and all other types of crime."
There is also a direct correlation to breeding dogs for fighting and the number of dangerous dogs that wind up in shelters and communities.Related articles:10/10/08:
Boudreaux Father and Son Finally Face Dogfighting Charges09/27/08:
Dogfighting Operation Busted; All Seized Dogs Euthanized
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