Dog-fighting
Canton, GA (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Oct 28, 2008
County: Cherokee
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged:
» Randall Thaxton
» Ray Beavers
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Two North Georgia men were arrested and charged with dogfighting Tuesday, continuing an aggressive statewide crackdown that investigators say is only just beginning.
In Canton, Cherokee County deputies detained Randall Thaxton, 44, after a morning raid turned up "a significant pit bull breeding operation." Roughly 30 miles north, Gilmer County officials arrested Ray Beavers, of Ellijay, for his reported involvement in the same dogfighting ring.
Two other Gilmer men may also face charges, said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues with the Humane Society of the United States.
"We believe they've been involved for years," he said.
The three raids Tuesday turned up 30 pit bulls, all of whom had scars consistent with dogfighting, said Greg Norred, who does the bulk of the investigative work on dogfighting - gratis - for the Humane Society.
Law enforcement officials have conducted eight raids on dogfighting operations since May. That's when Georgia enacted a new law that made it a felony to own, possess, train, transport or sell any canine for the intention of dogfighting.
Previously the state had one of the nation's weakest laws against dogfighting, making it difficult to prosecute or even charge reputed offenders.
"Dog fighters in Georgia are on high alert now," Goodwin said.
Information leading to the latest arrests was provided to the Humane Society through its tip line, established in the wake of the Michael Vick dogfighting case. Tipsters receive $5,000 upon conviction. The phone number is 877 TIP-HSUS.
Case UpdatesThe grand jury indicted Randall Thaxton, who originally was also arrested for dog fighting, on charges of animal cruelty and drug possession.
District Attorney Garry Moss said Wednesday that he will not pursue dog fighting charges against Thaxton, who was arrested in October 2008 after a two-week joint investigation in Cherokee and Gilmer counties.
Thaxton, 45, of Union Hill was indicted on three counts of animal cruelty for causing "unjustifiable physical pain" to American pit bull terriers. The dogs, all juveniles, were found on collars and chains weighing between 4.6 and 8.8 pounds.
Thaxton also was indicted on possession of more than an ounce of marijuana.
He was originally arrested by the Cherokee Sheriff's Office on the drug charge as well as 10 counts of animal cruelty and seven counts of felony dog fighting.
Investigators said dogs found at Thaxton's home bore scars and other injuries that appeared to be the result of dog fighting. | Source: Cherokee Tribune - Jan 14, 2010
Update posted on Feb 24, 2010 - 12:23PM |
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