Bartow Man Charged In Dog Fighting Operation

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — Bartow County Sheriff's investigators arrested a Bartow County man on dog fighting and animal cruelty charges Monday.

According to the sheriff's office, investigators were contacted by a group that tracks down people in the dog fighting trade about a possible dog fighting operation in south Bartow County Aug.2.

Man Arrested In Dog Fighting Bust

Investigators conducted a search at 4193 Creek Trail in Acworth along with Norred investigators, Bartow Animal Control officers and officers with the Atlanta Humane Society.

Investigators said they found items that are consistent with dog fighting operations including steroids and antibiotics along with photos of dogs that had been fighting.

During the search 12 pit bulls were taken by animal control officers, due to the conditions the dogs were being kept in.

"It was very heart wrenching to see the animals in the conditions they were in. Basically some of the pictures we found they were dogs who had been in a fight and were really injured severely," said investigator Keith Millner.

Arrested was Ricky Lee Hurley, 47, Acworth Ga. He is charged with one count of felony dog fighting and 12 counts of cruelty to animals.

WSBTV