A Hart County sheriff’s deputy was checking parked cars near Bowman when he heard dogs growling and spotted bloody-looking crates. What followed was 26 arrests on dogfighting charges.
The suspects tried to get away, but failed.
According to Georgia News Network, the officer saw people running away, prompting drones and K9 teams to respond.
Eight dogs that were found were alive. Several more were dead.
Officers found 20 of the suspects hiding in the woods and a nearby field. The 26 ultimately arrested now face dogfighting and animal cruelty charges. Most are from Georgia or neighboring states but some from as far away as Michigan, D.C., and Texas.
Those convicted could spend up to five years in prison.