12 arrested after officers find bloodied pit bull during dogfighting ring bust in south GA

When officers arrived on the scene 15 minutes later, several men took off running from the scene.

Officers found a bloodied pit bull, which followed officers around the yard.

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Officers found several other dogs chained in the backyard and numerous dogs inside vehicles parked in front of the home. The dogs all had injuries to their faces, bodies and legs.

The sheriff’s office requested assistance from other agencies to rescue the dogs. Two were taken to an animal hospital for treatment but all of the dogs have now been released to rescue groups.

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Officers searched through the night for the suspects. Twelve people were charged with felony dogfighting and two were convicted on additional charges of disorderly house and convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Bond has been denied for all 12 defendants. Additional arrests are expected.

Officers arrested the following:

Brandon Baker, 39, from Panama City, Fla.

Christopher Brown, 28, of Donalsonville, Ga.

Herman Buggs Jr., 54, of Donalsonville, Ga.

Temichael Elijah, 45, of Donalsonville, Ga.

Robert Fioramonti, 35, of Donalsonville, Ga.

Terelle Ganzy, 33, of Panama City, Fla.

Cornelious Johnson, 38, of Panama City, Fla.

Ramar Lee, 45, of Donalsonville, Ga.

Kayla Stelle, 22, of Panama City, Fla.

Robert West, 38, of Panama City, Fla.

Fredricus White, 34, of Panama City, Fla.

Gary Hopkins, 65, of Donalsonville.