Rico Pagan, a Gastonia resident with a prior history of animal cruelty and dogfighting charges, found himself behind bars once more after authorities seized five dogs in ailing health from a vacant lot he owns. These recent allegations arrive despite a court order prohibiting him from dog ownership following his 2021 arrest. As reported by WBTV, officials acted on several tips about the presence of dogs on Pagan's property located on Queens Road.

According to WCCB Charlotte, Gaston County Police arrested Pagan last Friday after Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement discovered the injured dogs last month. The animals, in dire need of medical attention, have been placed under the care of local rescue organization. His original bond from 2021 was revoked, and Pagan was denied bond for the new charges.

Back in 2021, Pagan was arrested after nine dogs were rescued from what investigators described as an alleged dog fighting ring. This previous incident laid the groundwork for his current predicament, bringing dogfighting and its associated cruelties back into community conversation. The fact that the new charges were levied while he was still under court-ordered prohibition from owning animals underscores the challenge of enforcing such bans.

The aftermath of Pagan's most recent arrest leaves the community grappling with the stark reality of animal cruelty that persists in their midst. "All of the dogs have been taken to a local rescue organization that’s providing treatment," authorities confirmed to QC News. Pagan now faces an uphill legal battle with five additional counts of animal cruelty and dogfighting tacked onto his record.

Community members who might be in possession of information pertinent to this case are encouraged to reach out to Detective Brienza at 704 866-3320 or to CrimeStoppers at 704 861-8000.