The dismantling of a large-scale dogfighting ring in rural Texas has drawn widespread attention for both the magnitude of the operation and the severity of the cruelty uncovered. Authorities reported that 45 individuals were arrested after deputies raided a property believed to be central to a long-running dogfighting network. The incident, part of an ongoing investigation aimed at reducing organized animal cruelty, has renewed public concern about the extent of illicit activities tied to dogfighting within parts of the state.
Officials described the scene as exceptionally disturbing, highlighting the coordinated nature of the operation and the efforts taken by participants to evade law enforcement surveillance. With substantial cash seized, vehicles impounded, and dogs recovered from an active fighting pit, the case stands as one of the most significant dogfighting busts in recent years and underscores persistent challenges faced by authorities attempting to curb similar underground activities.
Use of Surveillance Technology Aided the Raid
Deputies executed the operation following months of investigative work dating back to community reports initiated in March. According to officials, the raid was planned after repeated complaints suggested that organized dogfighting events were occurring in the area on a recurring basis.
Prior to approaching the property, law enforcement personnel utilized drone technology equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, allowing deputies to identify individuals positioned around the site who appeared to be serving as lookouts. Investigators described these individuals as “spotters,” noting that they were strategically stationed to warn those on the property of any approaching law enforcement officers.
When deputies arrived at the location, an active dogfight was already underway inside a pit constructed for that explicit purpose. The structure was designed to contain the animals during staged fights and was outfitted in a manner consistent with known dogfighting venues. As officers entered the area, many of the individuals present fled into a nearby wooded section in an attempt to escape arrest.
Law enforcement teams, supported by multiple agencies including the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Parks and Wildlife, were ultimately able to apprehend the majority of those who attempted to flee. The coordinated presence of multiple agencies was critical to securing the area both during and after the initial entry, ensuring that individuals attempting to evade law enforcement could be quickly located and taken into custody.
Operation Pitbull – Mugshots
— TheTexasOne (@TexasRepublic71) November 24, 2025
According to Newton County Texas Sheriff Colton Harvard all were charged with Dog Fighting and most were now out on bond.
Standing room only in the jail.
Source: East Texas Banner pic.twitter.com/fSxvVhAZZq
The use of aerial surveillance proved instrumental in guiding deputies safely toward the active site and in documenting the extent of the operation. Officials noted that drone imaging allowed them to map out the activity zones, identify suspicious movement, and avoid potential hazards associated with approaching a location where numerous individuals were gathered, some of whom were believed to be armed. The real-time thermal imaging provided advanced situational awareness, giving officers a clearer understanding of the environment before making contact.
Details of the Seized Property and Arrests
Authorities reported that 45 individuals were arrested during the operation, marking one of the largest dogfighting-related arrest totals recorded in the region. In addition to the arrests, law enforcement towed approximately 40 vehicles from the scene. Many of these vehicles contained illegal drugs, firearms, and large sums of cash. In total, deputies seized nearly $74,000 during the raid, a figure consistent with the revenue associated with organized dogfighting events, where gambling often plays a central role.
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The two dogs actively involved in the fight when officers arrived were immediately separated and placed into kennels for stabilization. Both animals showed signs of significant injury and were transported to a veterinary emergency clinic for medical assessment and treatment. Officials did not specify the long-term condition of the dogs but emphasized that immediate intervention likely prevented further harm. Dogfighting injuries can be severe, often involving deep lacerations, blood loss, and infections. In many cases, animals used in such operations are denied proper veterinary care and are subjected to repeated trauma over time.
Within the property, deputies documented the presence of equipment and structures commonly linked to dogfighting operations. These included makeshift kennels, chains, and various supplies used to restrain, transport, or condition dogs for fighting. The presence of gambling materials and cash boxes further supported the conclusion that the location was regularly used to host organized matches. Officials described the site as well-prepared and intentionally designed to facilitate both the fights and the illicit activities surrounding them.
Sheriff Colton Havard addressed the public following the arrests, stating that dogfighting and animal cruelty would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He characterized the scene as one of the most disturbing incidents he had encountered in his law enforcement career and emphasized the continued commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises within the county. The sheriff underscored that the arrests represented not only a response to community concerns but also a meaningful step in disrupting an organized network engaged in repeated cruelty.
Impact of the Operation and Ongoing Investigation
The raid marked a significant development in the region’s broader efforts to combat organized animal cruelty, illegal gambling, and associated criminal activity. Operations such as the one uncovered are often linked to other illicit behaviors, including drug trafficking and weapons violations.
The sizeable number of arrests and the range of contraband recovered suggest that the dogfighting event was part of a larger, well-coordinated system that may have been active for an extended period prior to detection. Investigators noted that the complaints received in March signaled a consistent pattern of suspicious activity, prompting the launch of Operation Pitbull and the involvement of multiple law enforcement partners.
Authorities are continuing to examine evidence collected at the scene, including digital materials, records, and communications that may help determine the full scope of the operation. Individuals arrested during the raid may face a range of charges, including animal cruelty, gambling offenses, drug possession, and weapons violations. The investigation is expected to remain active as detectives work to identify additional participants, organizers, or financial backers associated with the events.
The recovery and treatment of the dogs involved has also become a focal point of ongoing efforts. While the two dogs found in the active fighting pit received immediate veterinary care, authorities have not yet provided an estimate of how many additional animals may be linked to the case. Investigators are assessing evidence that could point to the presence of other dogs either previously used in fights or transported to and from the property. Animal welfare organizations in the region have expressed willingness to support the rehabilitation and long-term care of any dogs recovered through the investigation.
Local residents who previously raised concerns about activity on the property have expressed relief that the operation was brought to an end. Community involvement played a substantial role in initiating the inquiry, highlighting the importance of public reporting in uncovering illicit operations that may otherwise remain hidden. Because dogfighting events are often conducted in remote areas and involve participants who take measures to conceal their activities, community vigilance is frequently essential in identifying signs of wrongdoing.
Sheriff Havard reaffirmed that the county would continue deploying all available resources to prevent similar operations from developing in the future. He noted that law enforcement initiatives would focus not only on identifying criminal activity but also on reinforcing community trust and maintaining open communication with residents. The sheriff’s statement emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to ensure that incidents involving organized cruelty or illegal gatherings are addressed swiftly.
The broader impact of the arrests and seizure is expected to influence future enforcement strategies in the region. The use of drone-based surveillance, cross-agency coordination, and rapid-response procedures demonstrated during this operation is likely to be incorporated into ongoing efforts to identify and shut down similar activities. As the investigation progresses, officials anticipate that additional information will provide further insight into the organizational structure and frequency of events associated with the dogfighting ring.