More than 40 dogs were rescued from an alleged dog-fighting operation in Union County, Florida, and 41-year-old Drew Geer was arrested on multiple charges.

Union County Sheriff’s Office investigators served search warrants at two Lake Butler properties — one on N.W. 71st Run and another on West C.R. 18 — after what the agency described as a multi-location probe into suspected illegal activity. The seizures removed animals the sheriff’s office said were living in deplorable conditions and yielded evidence that led to an arrest.

Deputies removed the dogs from the properties and turned them over to local animal-care partners. The rescued animals received immediate attention from Humane World for Animals and veterinarians from the University of Florida Veterinary Forensics Science Laboratory, who began medical assessments and care, the sheriff’s office said. Many of the dogs showed scars and other signs consistent with mistreatment, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office and veterinarians involved in the case. What are the long-term effects of dog fighting on rescued animals?

“Their scars tell a heartbreaking story—the sadness and suffering these dogs have endured is unimaginable,” said Kate MacFall, Florida state director for Humane World for Animals, describing the condition of the animals after their removal. Experts say dogs used in fighting operations can exhibit lasting behavioral issues due to trauma, although specific long-term behavioral outcomes vary by individual animal.

Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead emphasized the enforcement action in a public statement. “We continue to prove that our agency will not tolerate animal abuse and blatant criminal behavior,” he said, tying the rescue to the broader investigation conducted by his office. He noted that dog fighting is a criminal act prosecuted as a felony in all 50 states, highlighting its serious implications. Animal welfare organizations estimate that tens of thousands of people may be involved in organized dog fighting in the United States, though precise numbers and long-term trends are difficult to measure due to the underground nature of the activity.

The suspect, identified as Drew Geer, 41, was taken into custody following the execution of the warrants. Law enforcement described the operation as involving coordinated searches at both Lake Butler addresses; officers secured the scenes and transported the animals to receive veterinary attention and shelter care. Community members who suspect similar operations are urged to report them to local law enforcement or contact humane societies, which can provide assistance and resources.

Local humane and veterinary teams began triage and examinations immediately. Clinical staff and forensic veterinarians are documenting scars and other indicators of prior trauma as part of the animals’ medical care and the investigative record. Humane World for Animals is providing housing and rehabilitation while veterinary teams complete assessments. Some animal welfare organizations have estimated that tens of thousands of people may be involved in dog-fighting activities in the United States, but exact numbers are difficult to verify because the activity is illegal and often hidden.

Officials described the sites where warrants were served as occupied properties in Lake Butler, naming one as N.W. 71st Run and the other as West C.R. 18. The Union County Sheriff’s Office led the action and worked with partner organizations to remove and treat the animals found on scene.

Investigators said the search and rescue followed a focused inquiry into suspected criminal behavior at the properties. The agency has not released additional procedural details while the investigation continues; its public statements noted the coordinated effort to both remove vulnerable animals and pursue law enforcement action.

The operation and rescue were reported by News4JAX, which detailed the number of animals removed and the agencies involved.

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Original reporting: view the original article.