NEWTON COUNTY, TX – Forty-five people were arrested and nearly $74,000 was seized after deputies found an alleged dog fighting ring in Newton County.
Sheriff Colton Havard said it was part of Operation Pitbull which started back in March after several months of complaints from the community.
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Havard said 45 people were arrested with the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other agencies.
Investigators said two dogs were fighting at the time of the arrests and both were taken to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment.
Havard said nearly $73,858 was seized from the scene.
“Dog fighting and animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Newton County. In my years in law enforcement, this is one of the most disturbing crimes I have ever witnessed, and the individuals involved should be ashamed of themselves. As your Sheriff, I vow to utilize every resource at our disposal to combat criminal activity in our county,” Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard wrote on Facebook.