UPDATE: After securing authorization from a choose to grab the remaining canine from a property concerned in canine combating, the Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace started working to put the animals in rescue services. Nonetheless, earlier than the canine could possibly be moved, they have been stolen by unknown people. Whereas this doesn’t have an effect on the legal investigation, the Sheriff expressed frustration that the animals have been taken earlier than they could possibly be correctly cared for.
The Sheriff suspects a few of these arrested could also be related to the theft, and the investigation has expanded with assist from the Texas Division of Public Security. Efforts proceed to find the stolen animals.
The investigation is ongoing, and extra updates can be shared as they arrive in.
In a harrowing discovery that reveals the darkest aspect of animal cruelty, the Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace in Texas has uncovered a large-scale dog-fighting operation, one of the crucial disturbing instances authorities say they’ve ever witnessed.
The investigation, generally known as “Operation Pitbull,” started in March 2025 after months of complaints and recommendations on suspected dog-fighting exercise. Because the calls elevated, deputies labored to construct possible trigger, finally securing a search warrant signed by a Newton County magistrate.
On the night of November 22, 2025, regulation enforcement descended on the property. Earlier than shifting in, deputies used drone surveillance outfitted with FLIR thermal know-how, which uncovered “spotters” stationed across the perimeter. These people have been in place to warn members of police, a chilling reminder of how organized and intentional dog-fighting networks could be.
When officers arrived, the nightmare was unfolding in actual time. An lively canine combat was underway in a crudely constructed pit constructed particularly for the bloodsport. Panic erupted as dozens of people fled into close by woods, although most have been shortly captured. Deputies rushed to separate the 2 wounded canine and positioned them into kennels to forestall additional harm.
In whole, 43 folks have been arrested in connection to the dog-fighting ring, so many who Newton County needed to deploy its jail transport van, and Jasper County supplied two extra vans and employees to assist course of the arrests. The 2 injured canine have been instantly transported to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for pressing therapy.
Authorities additionally seized roughly 40 automobiles, many containing unlawful narcotics, firearms, and money left in plain sight. Almost $74,000 in U.S. forex was taken into proof, and the Sheriff’s Workplace says it should petition the courtroom to completely seize all property tied to legal exercise.
The coordinated raid concerned a number of companies, together with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas Division of Public Security, the Newton Police Division, and constables from each Newton and Jasper counties. Sheriff Colton Havard thanked all companions for his or her swift motion and dedication in the course of the operation.
Sheriff Havard described the crime scene as one of the crucial disturbing acts of animal cruelty he has seen all through his regulation enforcement profession. He harassed that canine combating, and any type of abuse, won’t ever be tolerated in Newton County, vowing to make use of each out there useful resource to crack down on legal exercise.
“The Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace, in coordination with state companies, is trying to find respected 501(c)(3) rescue organizations keen to soak up any of the remaining canine. As organizations step up, pictures, medical updates, and veterinary assessments can be supplied. Verified proof of 501(c)(3) standing is required. Transport help and funding help can be found,” shared the Newton County Sheriff’s Workplace on Fb.
In case your group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and has house for a number of canine, please attain out to: [email protected]
This case serves as a painful reminder of the unimaginable cruelty animals endure when they’re exploited and abused for revenue. World Animal Information will proceed to trace this story and shine a lightweight on the continued efforts to finish canine combating as soon as and for all.
