Dogfighting, where animals are bred and trained to engage in physical combat for human entertainment, is a felony in every US state and under federal law. Watching and following a dogfight is also illegal. In most states, including Georgia, owning a dog for dogfighting purposes is itself a felony. According to the sheriff’s office, police say they arrested Burrell on Nov. 8 after an investigation revealed he was involved in a “major dogfighting operation.” When they arrived at his home in Dallas, about an hour west of Atlanta, deputies found 106 dogs — mostly pit bulls, according to the sheriff’s office — tied “to various things” in the backyard using heavy logging chains and collars. “The dogs were tied to trees, tied to metal mouths on the ground and kept without proper hydration and feeding,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “Many of these dogs were basically left out in the elements with little or no shelter for days. Additionally, these dogs were not routinely vetted or vaccinated.” Chains used to bind more than 100 dogs, allegedly for dog fighting, to a Georgia man’s home are pictured after his arrest. Paulding County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook Deputies also discovered several dogs in the basement of Burrell’s home, “where the presence (along with the smell) of urine and feces was so strong, authorities had to wear protective gear just to be able to safely enter the home.” , according to the sheriff’s office. . All 106 dogs found on the property were placed in rescue facilities. Burrell is currently being held without bond in the Paulding County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office, which said it expects to charge Burrell with more than 100 additional charges as their investigation continues. “I am proud of the teamwork that has been shown in this case and I am grateful that these dogs are now safe,” Paulding County Sheriff Gary Goultz said in a statement. “The dark and sinister world of dogfighting is a despicable culture that has no place in our world.” Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case to submit a tip through the Paulding Sheriff’s mobile app or by phone at 770-443-3047.
