Newton County sheriff's deputies arrested 45 people and seized nearly $74,000 in cash during a raid on an alleged dogfighting ring. The operation, called "Operation Pitbull," used human intelligence and drone surveillance to monitor a property along Route 87 in Call before deputies served a warrant, according to Click2Houston.
Last Saturday, a raid in Newton County uncovered two dogs fighting in a pit built for dogfighting. Many people tried to flee into nearby woods but were caught. The Sheriff’s Office, with help from the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Parks and Wildlife, carried out the arrests, as reported by Houston Chronicle.
A recent raid in Newton County led to dozens of arrests and the towing of about 40 vehicles containing illegal drugs and firearms. Two dogs involved were taken to Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment of fight-related injuries. Newton County law enforcement said they plan to ask the court to seize cash and items linked to the crimes. As Havard said, "Dog fighting and animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Newton County," and "I vow to utilize every resource at our disposal to combat criminal activity in our county," as per Click2Houston.
