19 Indicted in Twiggs County Dogfighting Investigation Following Year-Long Probe

TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. — Nineteen individuals have been indicted after a year-long investigation into an alleged organized dogfighting operation in Twiggs County, authorities announced.

The investigation was led by the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Office of the District Attorney, with assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture, the ASPCA, the Atlanta Humane Society, LaGrange Animal Control, and Laurens County Animal Control.

A Twiggs County grand jury returned indictments alleging the defendants participated in organized dogfighting activities in violation of Georgia law. The charges stem from an extensive investigation that included surveillance, execution of search warrants, recovery of animals, and the collection of evidence tied to alleged animal cruelty and illegal fighting operations.

“This case reflects the dedication and persistence of law enforcement and our partners over the course of more than a year,” said Darren Mitchum, Sheriff of Twiggs County. “Dogfighting is not only an act of extreme cruelty to animals, but it is often associated with other forms of criminal activity that endanger our communities.”

Harold McLendon of the District Attorney’s Office emphasized the collaborative effort behind the case, noting that animal welfare partners played a crucial role in the seizure, care, and evaluation of the dogs recovered.

Authorities said violations of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with dogfighting statutes, are felony offenses. The cases will be prosecuted in Twiggs County Superior Court.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Additional details will be released as the cases move forward.