Atlanta Humane Society assists as alleged dog fighting operation is broken up

With assistance from Norred & Associates, an Atlanta-based private security and investigative firm, an alleged major dog fighting operation was broken up Tuesday afternoon in a rural area just off Highway 17 in Camden County in the southeastern portion of the state.

Investigators from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and seizure relating to the criminal charge of dog fighting. The warrant was obtained after a suspected methamphetamine lab was recently shut down at the same residence. 

A total of 12 dogs were rescued, a number of them emaciated, some scarred, along with a fighting pit, and other equipment used in the criminal activity. The dogs, some of who reportedly had puncture wounds, had been on “thick logging chains” for an extended period of time according to The Florida Times-Union.

A team from the Atlanta Humane Society provided logistical and veterinary support, and an evaluation of the dogs that were seized. According to the Florida newspaper, the dogs will be treated and those that can be adopted will be placed in new homes.

According to the sheriff’s office, at least one man is being questioned and faces possible charges of dog fighting/animal cruelty.

At the request of sheriff’s office, investigators from Norred & Associates provided support and expertise in the seizure of the dogs and evidence. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as well as the City of Kingston Police Department assisted in the raid.

Norred & Associates is the largest private security and investigative firm in Georgia and has been involved in a 'Help Stop Dog Fighting' campaign since 2008. In that time, Norred & Associates and their strategic partners, the AHS, have assisted law enforcement in the execution of 32 search warrants, the rescue of more than 800 dogs and more than 87 arrests.

The AHS, located on the westside at 981 Howell Mill Road, formally established an anti-dog fighting alliance with Norred in October 2009, and on Tuesday deployed the organization’s HEART, or Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team, to the scene.

Norred & Associates maintains a 24-hour Tip Line - 877-215-2250 - and will pay a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in dog fighting. Hotline callers can remain anonymous.

For more information, please go to www.helpstopdogfighting.com.

- Norred & Associates contributed to this story