A Newton County judge ordered three dogs seized during a dogfighting investigation in Call to be transferred to a rescue or animal shelter.

The ruling, handed down Tuesday following a hearing, formalizes where the animals will be placed while authorities continue their work stemming from a raid executed on Nov. 22 in the county. Sheriff Colton Havard, speaking about the operation, said it “accounted for 19 dogs.” When animals are seized in cases of cruelty or suspected dogfighting, law enforcement typically holds them for a statutory “holding period” while treating them as evidence until ownership is formally surrendered.

The seizure grew out of an investigation described by local officials as targeting alleged dogfighting activity in and around Call. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office led the operation and presented the case to Justice of the Peace Connie Smith of Precinct 1, who presided over the hearing that produced the transfer order.

At the hearing, Havard described conditions observed during the warrant execution, saying that “two dogs were actively fighting at the time a search warrant was executed.” That testimony formed part of the record that led the judge to direct placement with a rescue or shelter for the three animals seized in connection with the probe. The prevalence of dogfighting in the U.S. is alarming, with at least 40,000 people involved in such activities according to estimates from the Humane Society.

The court order directs that the three dogs be turned over to an appropriate rescue organization or animal shelter for “proper placement,” a phrase used by the justice of the peace in announcing the decision. The sheriff’s office will carry out the transfer under the judge’s directive. Dogs rescued from dogfighting often receive veterinary treatment and behavioral evaluations through rescue groups and shelters, according to humane organizations, although the specific services can vary by case and organization. What types of rehabilitation programs are typically available for dogs rescued from dogfighting?

Local reporting on the case, including coverage by the East Texas Banner, outlined the hearing and the judge’s ruling. A video segment from 12NewsNow summarized the same decision and the law-enforcement account of events surrounding the Nov. 22 action.

Justice of the Peace Connie Smith signed the order on the record after hearing the sheriff’s statements and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the seizure. The transfer gives custody of the three animals to rescues or shelters rather than returning them to any party while the investigation proceeds. This step emphasizes the legal framework that aims to protect such animals from potential harm.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead inquiries related to the operation and the seized animals. The judge’s directive establishes the immediate next step for the three dogs by ensuring they are placed with organizations equipped to provide care and permanent placement. Common procedures for transferring animals from law enforcement to rescue organizations are crucial in these cases.

Sheriff Colton Havard’s comments at the hearing emphasized the scale of the raid and the conditions officers encountered during the warrant execution. His statements are part of the court record that supported the transfer order issued by Justice Smith. Officials have not altered the court’s direction in deciding custody. The order sets a clear path for the three seized animals to be moved into rescue or shelter care as arranged by the sheriff’s office and under the supervision of the justice who heard the case.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.