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North Georgia Law Enforcement Agencies Conduct Dogfighting Raids in Two Counties

October 29, 2008


	©Huemer/The HSUS
	Organized dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states.

Raids on two alleged dogfighting operations in northern Georgia yesterday turned up dogfighting equipment and a total of 14 dogs and four puppies. The Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's office and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office acted on intelligence provided by The Humane Society of the United States and Norred & Associates.

Randall Thaxton, the apparent owner of the operation in Canton, Ga., was charged with seven counts of felony dogfighting, 10 counts of animal cruelty and one count of felony possession of marijuana. Authorities seized a total of 10 dogs, some showing scars consistent with dogfighting, and dogfighting paraphernalia from the property.

Ray Beavers, the apparent owner of the property in Ellijay, Ga., was charged with six counts of altered identification numbers. Dogfighting charges are also pending. Authorities seized three adult dogs and four puppies along with dogfighting paraphernalia from the property. At least one of the adult dogs had scars consistent with dogfighting.

A Momentous Day

"Today was a momentous day in the fight against the cruel world of organized dogfighting," said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The HSUS. "We commend The Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's office and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office for taking dogfighting allegations seriously and working to bring alleged animal fighters to justice."

Dr. Melinda Merck, forensic veterinarian and leader of 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.

Tip Line and Rewards

Information regarding these alleged dogfighting operations was first provided to The HSUS via its tip line, 877-TIP-HSUS. The HSUS animal fighting tip line was established by Atlanta-based corporate security and investigations firm Norred & Associates in the wake of the Michael Vick case so that Georgia residents can easily report illegal animal fighting to authorities.

The HSUS offers up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting. The HSUS's animal fighting reward program has been made possible thanks to a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation, which is also based in Atlanta.

It is a felony to own, possess, train, transport or sell a dog for the purpose of dogfighting in Georgia. Those involved in illegal dogfighting can receive one to five years in prison, a minimum fine of $5,000 or both. Today's raids are the fifth and sixth significant dogfighting raids for which The HSUS and Norred & Associates have provided intelligence to Georgia authorities since Gov. Sonny Purdue signed legislation strengthening the state's dogfighting law on May 16.

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