BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — Aylemis Estrada, 36, was arrested Dec. 22 after law enforcement officials said they discovered evidence of a suspected dog fighting operation at two homes on South Ruddle Street and removed 18 dogs from the properties.

The Blytheville Police Department, working with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, executed welfare checks at two addresses — in the 900 and 1100 blocks of South Ruddle Street — that day. Sgt. Robin Haught-Angel of the Blytheville Police Department said officers “conducting animal welfare checks found three dozen dogs at two homes on South Ruddle Street.” Authorities later reported that 18 animals were seized and placed into protective custody for care and investigation.

Police said investigators “identified a pattern of evidence at the scene” that indicated the animals were being prepared or used for organized fighting. “Investigators found evidence the animals were used for dog fighting and arrested Estrada,” Sgt. Haught-Angel said, describing the findings that led to the arrest and the removal of the dogs from the properties.

Estrada was taken into custody on Dec. 22 and is being held without bond at the Mississippi County Detention Center, the sheriff’s office said. She faces 36 counts stemming from the investigation and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 29. The Blytheville Police Department led the operation, with assistance from the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office; officers said they carried out the welfare checks, seized the animals and secured the scene for further forensic and animal welfare work.

Local news outlets and bystanders posted video of the response online. One clip of the incident is available on YouTube, showing officers at the scene as animals were removed and evidence was documented.

Officials provided a concise summary of the key facts in public statements: 18 dogs removed, 36 charges filed, arrest on Dec. 22 and a Dec. 29 court date. Authorities said the evidence recovered at the two homes supported an allegation that the animals were being prepared for or used in organized fighting, a form of animal cruelty that investigators treat as a serious crime.

Under Arkansas law, unlawful animal fighting in the second degree — which includes participating in dog fighting — is classified as a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Unlawful animal fighting in the first degree escalates to a Class D felony, a higher classification that carries more severe penalties under state statute.

Dogfighting is a nationwide issue. National organizations estimate the problem affects tens of thousands of dog fighters and forces hundreds of thousands of dogs to fight across the United States, with the Humane Society citing involvement by more than 40,000 people. Authorities and animal welfare advocates say the crime is often underreported and linked to other forms of organized criminal activity.

Individuals interested in adopting dogs rescued from fighting rings often find listings and rehoming opportunities through coordinated efforts. The U.S. Marshals Service, for example, partners with organizations such as K2K9 Solutions, Break The Chains and Punchers Chance Rescue and Sanctuary to place dogs seized in federal and coordinated operations; these partnerships help move animals into care networks and eventual adoption when appropriate.

Following the seizure, the 18 animals were taken into custody by animal care professionals for medical evaluation and sheltering while investigators continue to process the scene and prepare the case. The Mississippi County Detention Center is holding Estrada pending the next steps in the criminal process.

Authorities did not release additional details about the specific items recovered as evidence or the identities of any other possible suspects. The Blytheville Police Department and the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office said their investigation remains active and asked anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.

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Original reporting: view the original article.