Eight people were arrested following a dogfighting incident on Donald Road Saturday. When authorities arrived at 11 p.m., Sheriff Joedy Pennington said there were about 40 cars there, and everyone fled the scene. In addition to the arrests, 12 dogs were rescued, and 27 cars and one trailer were towed.
Pennington said they were made aware of dogfighting happening at an abandoned trailer just west of Newton Saturday.
“When we showed up, everyone fled on foot into the woods,” Pennington said. “We rescued 12 dogs. We arrested eight people, and we towed 27 cars and a pull-behind trailer.”
Pennington said they are still investigating the incident and interviewing suspects and persons of interest. The suspects arrested Saturday night will be facing charges connected with dogfighting or assisting with or attending a dogfighting competition.
“It’s not just illegal to run a dogfighting ring, but it is also illegal to watch it or bet on it,” Pennington said. “I’m sure there was betting going on.”
Pennington said they will be interviewing the suspects, whom the identities are not being released at this time, again today and tomorrow. He and investigators also plan to meet with the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss how to proceed with the investigation.
Pennington indicated that more suspects are likely to be arrested, and those suspects could also face federal charges.
While the investigation continues, Pennington said the dogs are being cared for at an undisclosed location in Newton County.
