A Georgia man was arrested this week in connection with a dog fighting operation, according to authorities.
More than 100 dogs were rescued from the bust in Paulding County. Vincent Lemark Burrell, 55, faces charges of animal cruelty and dog fighting.
“Paulding County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrest a local man for breeding, training and facilitating over one hundred pit bulls in connection with dog fighting at his Paulding County home,” the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office wrote. in a press release.
Detectives raided Burrell’s home Tuesday by executing multiple search warrants and arrested the suspect without incident. The raid followed an investigation into the dogfighting operation. A total of 106 dogs, most of which were pit bulls, were discovered on the property “in various degrees of existence,” the sheriff’s office said.
GEORGIA WOMAN SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT
Vincent Lemark Burrell, 55, faces charges of animal cruelty and dog fighting.
(Paulding County Sheriff’s Office)
“Some of the dogs were emaciated, while others were strong and extremely aggressive towards other dogs,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “The sad part is that the vast majority of these animals were just craving the love and attention of the deputies and detectives that were on the scene.”
All of the dogs were rescued and placed at various rescue facilities for rehabilitation.
Detectives found the animals tied to trees and piles of metal on the ground. The dogs were also not well hydrated and fed.
“These animals were tied to various things with large, extremely heavy wooden chains and thick collars,” the sheriff’s office said. “Many of these dogs were left basically out in the open with little to no shelter for days on end.”
Detectives found the animals tied to trees and piles of metal on the ground. The dogs were also not well hydrated and fed.
(Paulding County Sheriff’s Office)
The dogs were also not regularly checked or vaccinated by a veterinarian.
“Some of the dogs were housed in the basement of the home where the presence (along with the smell) of urine and feces was so strong that authorities had to wear protective gear just to gain entry into the home safely,” the statement said. “The conditions in which the dogs were housed, both on and off this property, were unfit for humans, let alone dogs.”
GEORGIA MAN SLAPED VOTER AND RECORDED VIDEO OF POLLING PLACES, ARREST WARRANTY SAYS
All of the dogs were rescued and placed at various rescue facilities for rehabilitation.
(Paulding County Sheriff’s Office)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Burrell was booked into the Paulding County Jail. He is being held in jail without bail.
Investigators said he faces more than 100 additional charges that have not yet been filed.
“In cases like these, we have to conduct a long and thorough investigation,” Sheriff Gary Gulledge said in a statement. “This is not something we can put together in a few days, cases like these are [comprehensive] and they require us to work with many local, state and federal entities. I am proud of the teamwork that has been on display in this case and I am grateful that these dogs are now safe. The dark and sinister world of dogfighting is a [despicable] culture that has no place in our world.
