Posted: July 8, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office raided Shake Down Kennels, an alleged dogfighting operation in Danielsville, Ga. The owner was arrested and charged with felony dogfighting.
Authorities seized seven pit bulls in the raid last week. The raid marks the first Georgia dogfighting bust since the passage of new legislation signed by Gov. Sonny Purdue in May, which strengthened the state’s dogfighting law, making it a felony to own, possess, train, transport, or sell a dog for the purpose of dogfighting. Those involved in illegal dogfighting can receive one to five years in prison, a minimum fine of $5,000, or both.
Dr. Melinda Merck, forensic veterinarian and leader of American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals’ CSI unit, was part of a team of animal welfare agencies that participated in the raid and evaluated the seized dogs.
“Dogfighting cases are very complex and it sometimes takes multiple resources in order to effectively bring them down,” Merck said in a statement, adding that this effort is an example of the ongoing fight against animal cruelty.