Described by Newton County Sheriff’s Office in Newton, Texas, as one of the most disturbing crimes they have seen, 45 suspects have been arrested.
On Saturday night, deputies arrived at the scene to break up what investigators stated had been an active dog fighting ring in the rural Call community of East Texas.
Sheriff Colton Harvard stated the investigation dubbed “Operation Pitbull” started in March 2025 after having received multiple complaints and tips about dog fighting operations occurring in the area. Deputies responded, and after extensive investigations were able to secure a search warrant.
On November 22, multiple agencies arrived at the property to serve the warrant. Initially they used a drone equipped with thermal imaging to scan the area around the home in a wooded area where the dog fighting had been allegedly ongoing. Several spotters were stationed around the perimeter.
When deputies arrived, an active dog fight was going on inside of a sandy pit. Arrests were quickly made, and the two dogs were transferred to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment. Two vans helped to move the detainees to Newton County.
Over 40 vehicles were towed from the property. Illegal narcotics were confiscated as well as firearms and cash in excess of $73,000.
In a Facebook statement Sheriff Harvard posted:
the fighting and animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Newton County. In my years in law enforcement, this is one of the most disturbing crimes i have ever witnessed.
The two dogs in need of emergency care have been removed. There were eight dogs left at the home that were scheduled to be placed at an undisclosed location.
(Photos of dogs screenshots via East Texas Banner) Other photos via Newton County Sheriff’s Office Facebook)
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