Q: A recent article about dogfighting in Talbot County made me wonder: Why would an investigative firm in Atlanta be staking out a dogfighting operation in Talbot County? Who paid the firm for their e

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: A recent article about dogfighting in Talbot County made me wonder: Why would an investigative firm in Atlanta be staking out a dogfighting operation in Talbot County? Who paid the firm for their effort?

— Jay Brower, Atlanta

A: The investigation by Atlanta-based Norred & Associates was paid by the privately held firm owned by Greg Norred. The firm has investigated dogfighting for about two years, based on tips from citizens, investigator Chuck Simmons said. Once the firm has confirmed a dogfighting operation, it takes the evidence to local law enforcement agencies. Its pro bono work has contributed to about a dozen raids, Simmons said. The Talbot County case resulted in charges of 29 counts of cruelty to animals and five counts of dogfighting.

Q: Is there widespread swine flu in Southern Hemisphere countries now? — Dr. Ilhan Ermutlu, Alpharetta

A: The Associated Press reports that hospitalizations and deaths from swine flu in the Southern Hemisphere seem to be lower than average for seasonal flu. But the large U.S. predictions by a presidential advisory group that 30,000-90,000 could die could be related to factors including that flu cases were stronger than normal during the summer, the AP reported. Worldwide, at least 209,438 people have caught swine flu, contributing to 2,185 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail
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