Georgia Man Accused Of Dogfighting; 11 Pit Bulls Seized

Two North Georgia men are under arrest in connection with a multicounty dogfighting ring.

Cherokee County deputies arrested 44-year-old Randall Thaxton Tuesday afternoon. He's charged with animal cruelty and dogfighting.

Officers seized 11 pit bulls from Thaxton's home. They tell Channel 2 he was breeding and possibly training dogs for fighting.

Two Men In Custody In Connection With A Dog Fighting Ring

"The majority of them are in pretty good shape," Sheriff Roger Garrison told WSB-TV's Richard Elliot. "I think there is one that is pretty sick. But most of them had, the biggest problem they had chains so large around their necks, very difficult for them to stand."

Deputies say they found a treadmill used to train fighting dogs and a forced breeding stand where animals would be strapped down for breeding in Thaxton's back yard.

Greg Norred aided the investigation. He's a private investigator who donates his time to the Humane Society.

"It's widespread. It's organized, and what concerns me is it's not just dogfighting for sport. There's a direct correlation with dogfighters and all other types of crime."

Thaxton was also charged with felony marijuana possession following Tuesday's search of his home.

A second person in connection with this case was arrested in Gilmer County Tuesday afternoon.