Reported Top Dogfighting Operation Raided in Wilkes County, N.C., 127 Dogs Seized

A three-year investigation by the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office, Wilkes County Animal Control agency and The Humane Society of the United States culminated in the Wednesday raid of "Wildside Kennels," an alleged dogfighting operation in McGrady, North Carolina.

A man believed to be the owner of the operation and two others were arrested. Each was charged with one count of felony dogfighting and baiting; additional charges are pending.

Authorities found suspected dogfighting paraphernalia on the property and seized 127 dogs. Several dogs had scars consistent with dogfighting.

Author of Gruesome "Guide"

The apparent owner of the operation, Ed Faron, was previously convicted of dogfighting and is reportedly one of the 10 most influential figures in the underground dogfighting circuit. He is known as breeder of pit bull bloodlines that have a strong following in the criminal underground of dogfighting nationwide.

Faron co-authored a book on how to breed and raise dogs to be used for fighting that contains graphic accounts—supposedly fictional—of gruesome injuries inflicted or suffered by dogs used for fighting. Excerpts from The Complete Gamedog—A Guide to Breeding and Raising the American Pit Bull Terrier by Ed and Chris Faron (published in 1995 and reprinted in 2006) are available upon request.

Justice Will Be Served

"The raid of this suspected dogfighting operation is the culmination of an extensive investigation, and dogfighters everywhere should worry that they could be next," said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The Humane Society of the United States.

"We are grateful to the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office and Wilkes County Animal Control department for acting quickly and efficiently against this suspected dogfighting operation."

It is a felony to possess a dog for the purpose of dogfighting in North Carolina. Those involved in illegal dogfighting can receive four to 10 months in prison.

"Numerous pieces of intelligence have been gathered throughout this three-year investigation thanks largely to the hard work of Wilkes County Animal Control Director Junior Simmons," said Wilkes County Sheriff Dane C. Mastin. "I'm not only glad to see that something good came out of this case, but I'm also proud to know that justice will be served."

Collaboration Led To Success

Major dogfighting raids such as that of Wildside Kennels are successful due to multi-agency collaboration. Dr. Melinda Merck, forensic veterinarian and leader of the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals' CSI Unit, assisted with the raid and evaluated the seized dogs for evidence of animal fighting. Additionally, Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control assisted with handling and transporting the dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States offers up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting. This reward program has been made possible thanks to a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation. 

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of dogfighting activity in your community, and how to fight back.

Related Links

Dogfighting Fact Sheet

Ranking of State Dogfighting Laws

Taking Action to End Dogfighting: How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do