2 men arrested in connection to dogfighting bust in Smith County, officials say

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office have arrested two men in connection to a dog fighting bust north of Tyler on Monday where nearly 60 dogs have been recovered.

The sheriff’s office said at around noon on Monday, Smith County Animal Control was notified after someone found wounded dogs near a home on CR 4136.

On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office arrested 34-year-old Kerry Jones and 31-year-old Michael Jones, both of Tyler.

Kerry has been charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and participating in the earnings of or operations of a facility used for dog fighting. He is being held at the Smith County Jail under a combined bond of $560,000.

Michael has been arrested with cruelty to non-livestock animals and is being held at the Smith County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Nicholas Pet Haven , a nonprofit, also responded to the scene where they found 59 dogs at the property, six of which were in critical condition. Dogs were reportedly found in cages, hot boxes and tied to treadmills.

“Many of the dogs were without food and water, while others had injuries consistent with dog fighting,” the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said.

Animal control officials said the dog fighting ring was on the property including areas where the dogs were “conditioned.” Nicholas Pet Haven said the dogs were made to run with heavy weights on a treadmill in a hot room.

The sheriff’s office said evidence taken from the scene has led investigators to believe the location is part of a large-scale dogfighting operation that could extend out of East Texas.

Search warrants and seizure warrants for the property were issued, allowing officials to remove the dogs from the home and around the property. The sheriff’s office said they are working on leads and additional arrests are expected.

A narcotics search warrant was also obtained and officials seized 7 pounds of marijuana and THC products.

Nicholas Pet Haven is requesting the public’s help as they work to assess the dogs and find them homes. People can donate or look into fostering on their website. The nonprofit is also posting updates on their Facebook page as they seek out fosters for the rescued dogs.

Animal control officials said the dogs will have to go through a temperament exam to determine if they can be fostered.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

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