Dog-fighting ring busted in East Dublin

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lauren County authorities are in the process of rescuing 100 dogs believed to be used for fighting from a property in East Dublin.

Most of the dogs are pit bulls, believed to be used for fighting. The raid at the home on Robert Webb Road began at 8 a.m. Thursday morning and is expected to continue into the evening.

"They're in poor condition," said Greg Norred, a private investigator. "Most are emaciated, but they aren't dehydrated because of all the rain. They've been sleeping in water."

The dogs, who have been living throughout several acres on the rural property, did not have any housing or food visible, Norred said. All of the animals are being tagged and transported to an undisclosed location for evaluations.

"One had lost an eye and one had lost a leg," Norred said. All of the dogs were chained. Remains of other dogs were also found on the property.

East Dublin is located about 130 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Norred's company, Atlanta-based Norred & Associates, received a tip about the possible dog-fighting ring a few months back and began an investigation. After monitoring the location, Norred said the Laurens County Sheriff's Department was contacted.

A search warrant is being executed, but no one has been charged yet, Norred said. Local animal rescue volunteers are assisting with the efforts.

Since creating a tip line specifically for dog-fighting tips, Norred said his agency has assisted with 16 raids in two years. The dog-fighting investigations are done pro bono, he said.

Anyone with tips to offer about potential animal fighting rings can call Norred's tip line at 1-877-215-2250.