NOTE: The above video is part of an 11Alive investigation unrelated to this story.
Eleven federal search warrants were executed Wednesday in middle Georgia as part of a months-long multi-agency investigation into allegations of illegal dog fighting and drug trafficking. It resulted in the rescue of more than 100 dogs dogs, authorities announced.
U.S. Attorney Charles Peeler said in a news release that the rescued animals are now in the care of the U.S. Marshals Service. Officials originally estimated there were 156 animals rescued, but later brought that number up to 168. Many of the animals were malnourished with scarring, and some are severely injured and require surgery or other medical intervention.
An emergency veterinarian was on hand to administer care to some of the dogs, including a pit bull discovered chained with broken legs, malnourished and overbred. At least two dogs had emergency surgery to treat their injuries, they said.
“I am incredibly grateful to the law enforcement teams who came together from all over the region to rescue these abused animals as we continue to investigate this alleged dog fighting ring,” U.S. Attorney Peeler said. “Illegal dog fighting is a barbaric activity. Those who choose to violate the Animal Welfare Act face serious consequences, including federal prison time, where there is no parole.”
The federal Animal Welfare Act defines “animal fighting venture” as “any event, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between at least two animals for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment.”
Offenses related to dog fighting are felonies punishable by up to five years in prison, they said.
The warrants were served in Bibb County, Crawford County, Houston County, Peach County, Talbot County, Taylor County and Webster County at the following locations:
- 323 Ruby Street, Macon, Bibb County, Georgia
- 16 Spruce Lane, Roberta, Crawford County, Georgia
- 99 Calloway Drive, Roberta, Crawford County, Georgia
- 107 Stanton Circle, Warner Robins, Houston County, Georgia
- 407 Vienna Street, Fort Valley, Peach County, Georgia
- 718 Green Street, Apt. A101, Fort Valley, Peach County, Georgia
- 223 Buckrun Road, Talbotton, Talbot County, Georgia
- 293 Chapman Road, Shiloh, Talbot County, Georgia
- 838 Jeff Hendricks Road, Woodland, Talbot County, Georgia
- 65 Turner Estates Road, Reynolds, Taylor County, Georgia
- 369 Millard Kennedy Road, Preston, Webster County, Georgia
“Because of the dedication between all law enforcement agencies involved, the citizens of Middle Georgia are safer and innocent animals have been rescued,” Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said.
WARNING: Some images may be too graphic for some.
Photos: 168 dogs rescued, search warrants executed in multiple Georgia counties
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