HOUSTON — A broken-up dogfighting ring in Texas that drew crowds of 100 people and bets as high as $1,000 kept detailed journals of fights and used crates to ship dogs internationally, authorities said.
Nearly 200 dogs have been seized, eight people arrested and 47 others indicted since officials near Houston announced Friday they busted what they called one of the country’s largest dogfighting operations.
Organizers sold pups for as much as $500, and champion-type bloodlines could go for $1,500 to $3,000, said Harris County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. P. Leone. Animal welfare groups are taking care of most of the seized dogs, but a judge will decide their fate.
Most of the dogs could be euthanized, Leone said.
“Some of the dogs may be people friendly, but the question you have to ask yourself is whether or not you’d want your 3-year-old child around the dog,” he said.
Authorities broke up the ring through a 17-month investigation by undercover officers, who attended some of the weekly or bimonthly fights held at eight secluded sites in Harris County.
Charges related to weapons, drugs, theft and stolen property found during the raid will be filed against some suspects. Among those arrested was a school teacher who has taught English at an alternative school near Houston for four years.
Those indicted have are not yet in custody, but authorities said they expect to make more arrests soon.
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