Law enforcement served search warrants at multiple Union County properties, including Northwest 71st Run and West County Road 18, recovering animals that officers described as living in severe neglect. The operation involved the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, with Humane World for Animals assisting in removing the dogs and beginning treatment. Investigators noted conditions at the properties that align with indicators law enforcement and animal welfare groups use when pursuing dogfighting and cruelty cases, including heavy chains, scars consistent with repeated trauma, and cramped confinement. Typical signs of dogfighting operations authorities look for include multiple pit bull–type dogs with scars, puncture wounds, swollen faces, and untreated injuries, especially on the face, chest, and legs.

Union County Sheriff’s Office led the operation with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, and Humane World for Animals helped with rescue and care on scene. Responders described dogs chained with little shelter, scarred from past injuries and, in some cases, missing limbs; some animals were tied to short chains or kept under broken furniture and inside cramped, filthy cages. Dogfighting investigations can result in the seizure of numerous dogs at once, which may strain local shelters and rescue groups that must provide emergency housing, veterinary care, and rehabilitation.

Florida’s state director for Humane World for Animals, Kate MacFall, described the condition of some dogs at the scene: “His whole paw was just missing. And yet he was loving and wagging his tail. I think he was just happy to get out of there.” She later added, “It was scary for them. They didn’t know what was happening.” MacFall said the animals were overwhelmed by the rescue but that moving them was necessary to get them to safety; the dogs are now in receiving care and treatment. Community members should immediately contact local law enforcement or animal control to report suspected animal abuse or dogfighting, providing detailed observations and photos where possible.

Investigators arrested 41-year-old Drew Geer in connection with the operation; he was charged with felony drug possession and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sheriff Brad Whitehead of the Union County Sheriff’s Office thanked the cooperating agencies, saying, “We would like to thank all the agencies that have been involved in this intensive multi-agency investigation and those that assisted us today to help save these animals.” Authorities emphasized the logistical effort required to move and house more than 40 dogs at once, highlighting the importance of such coordinated responses during emergency rescue efforts.

Officials said the rescued dogs are receiving veterinary attention and sheltering through an effort led by Humane World for Animals and other local rescues. Organizations that track shelter data, such as Shelter Animals Count, have reported on capacity challenges at shelters, though specific documentation about this particular seizure has not been published.

As the animals receive treatment, investigators continue work on the case and the agencies involved will determine next steps in the criminal investigation. “If you see something, say something. These animals can’t call for help themselves—they rely on people to speak up,” MacFall said.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.