Hart County Sheriff’s Office announced a major crackdown on an alleged dogfighting ring in northeast Georgia, resulting in the arrest of 27 individuals and the seizure of 26 dogs, three of which were found dead.
Investigation timeline
Deputies responded to a report of parked vehicles on Jim Heard Road shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Upon arrival, officers heard dogs barking and growling from a nearby wooded area. As a deputy entered a driveway leading into the woods, he observed additional vehicles, some with dog crates that appeared to have blood on them.
Three men were confronted; one was taken into custody while the other two fled into the woods. Additional deputies from Hart, Elbert and Franklin counties, along with a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, joined the effort.
Use of K‑9 units and drones
Using three K‑9 units and two drones, authorities located 20 people hiding in the woods and a nearby field. Four more individuals who arrived at the scene were linked to the operation and arrested, and two additional persons found walking along a nearby road were also taken into custody, bringing the total to 27.
Charges and evidence
All 27 suspects have been charged with dogfighting and felony cruelty to animals. During the initial sweep, law enforcement towed 27 vehicles, seized multiple firearms, and recovered large amounts of cash as evidence. Hart County Animal Control took custody of the animals.
Investigators initially recovered seven adult dogs, one puppy, and three deceased dogs from the Hart County property. The operation later expanded into neighboring Elbert County.
Follow‑up search warrant
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Hart County Sheriff’s Office assisted Elbert County Sheriff’s Office in executing a search warrant at a residence on Sanders Road, a property tied to one of the original arrestees. During that search, an additional 18 dogs were seized, including 13 adult dogs and five puppies, now also under Hart County Animal Control’s care.
Multi‑agency cooperation
Sheriff Chris Carroll thanked the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Elbert County Animal Control and Hart County Animal Control for their assistance. He noted that the investigation involved multiple law‑enforcement agencies and federal partners, and that further arrests or charges may follow as the full scope of the alleged operation is determined.
The cases remain subject to the judicial process.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
