What federal agents say they uncovered on a Statesville-area property was grim: 25 pit-bull-type dogs, including puppies, pulled from what investigators describe as a suspected dogfighting operation in Iredell County. The animals are now in protective care, and two local men are facing federal charges as part of a broader multi-agency probe into animal-fighting activity that crosses state lines.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, the men are charged with federal offenses tied to breeding and keeping pit bulls for a dogfighting venture. The announcement detailed the seizure of 25 dogs, including puppies, and noted that the investigation is still active while authorities comb through evidence and coordinate care for the animals. Federal and local agencies are working the case together as prosecutors prepare their filings.
“It's unbelievable people still engage in dog fighting activities,” U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said in a post on X, adding that his office intends to pursue the matter. The same post credited the FBI’s Charlotte Division and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General with assisting in the investigation, and prosecutors said local law enforcement also helped carry out the enforcement action.
Legal consequences
Federal law makes it a crime to organize, possess or breed animals for fighting and allows those cases to be prosecuted in federal court. See 7 U.S.C. § 2156 on Cornell Law School for the underlying statute and penalties; convictions under the enforcement provisions can bring prison time and fines. Prosecutors typically turn to federal charges when alleged animal-fighting activity involves interstate commerce or uses equipment and logistics that cross state lines.
What happens to seized animals
When animals are seized in suspected fighting operations, federal authorities often rely on civil forfeiture and partnerships with animal-welfare organizations to pay for veterinary care and shelter while a case moves through court. The FBI has described using forfeiture proceeds and coordinated efforts across agencies to fund treatment and, when possible, permanent placement for surviving animals. Local shelters and national rescue groups commonly step in to handle medical triage, behavioral rehabilitation and adoption screening.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said additional details are available in its public announcement as the case unfolds. Officials urged anyone with tips about possible animal-fighting activity to contact local law enforcement or the FBI’s Charlotte Division.
