Canton, Ellijay men charged with dogfighting

Two North Georgia men were arrested and charged with dogfighting Tuesday, continuing an aggressive statewide crackdown that investigators say is only just beginning.

In Canton, Cherokee County deputies detained Randall Thaxton, 44, after a morning raid turned up “a significant pit bull breeding operation.” Roughly 30 miles north, Gilmer County officials arrested Ray Beavers, of Ellijay, for his reported involvement in the same dogfighting ring.

Two other Gilmer men may also face charges, said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues with the Humane Society of the United States.

“We believe they’ve been involved for years,” he said.

The three raids Tuesday turned up 30 pit bulls, all of whom had scars consistent with dogfighting, said Greg Norred, who does the bulk of the investigative work on dogfighting — gratis — for the Humane Society.

Law enforcement officials have conducted eight raids on dogfighting operations since May. That’s when Georgia enacted a new law that made it a felony to own, possess, train, transport or sell any canine for the intention of dogfighting.

Previously the state had one of the nation’s weakest laws against dogfighting, making it difficult to prosecute or even charge reputed offenders.

“Dog fighters in Georgia are on high alert now,” Goodwin said.

Information leading to the latest arrests was provided to the Humane Society through its tip line, established in the wake of the Michael Vick dogfighting case. Tipsters receive $5,000 upon conviction. The phone number is 877 TIP-HSUS.