SMITH COUNTY, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has detained one person after what appears to be a large-scale dogfighting operation was discovered, just north of Tyler.
Sheriff Larry Smith shared in a press conference that Animal Control was called around 11:50 a.m. Monday when someone found several injured dogs near a home in the area. When officials arrived, more than 50 dogs were discovered, many in cages, tied to treadmills, or inside hot boxes.
Six of the dogs are in critical condition, according to Nicholas Pet Haven, which responded to the scene.
Potential charges for those involved could include animal cruelty and engaging in organized crime, with evidence suggesting this was part of a larger dogfighting operation possibly extending beyond East Texas.
While the name of the arrested individual hasn't been released, officials are still searching for another person who reportedly fled before Animal Control arrived. Authorities have now obtained a seizure warrant to remove all the dogs from the property.
Nicholas Pet Haven is calling on the community to help by donating or offering to foster the rescued dogs, as they work to find safe places for them to recover.
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