Metro Atlanta man heading to prison after being convicted of dog fighting

CANTON, Ga. — A Canton man found guilty of dog fighting and cruelty to prison last year has been sentenced to prison.

On Friday, Cherokee County District Attorney Susan Treadaway announced that Randall Larry Thaxton, 59, had been sentenced to 20 years with the first five to serve in prison.

Thaxton was found guilty of nine counts of dog fighting and seven counts of cruelty to animals in December.

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In November 2022, the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office received a tip that linked Thaxton to a dogfighter in Dallas, Georgia.

Officers went to his home and found dogs chained up. They were chained close to one another, but just out of reach, a tactic used to increase a dog’s aggression.

Inside his home, investigators found a break stick, which is used to pry open a dog’s jaws during a fight, documents linking his dogs to known dog fighters, a journal with workout regimens for the dogs, steroids, staplers and more to treat wounds and a dog fighting creed pledging allegiance to the dog fighting community.

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The DA’s office has now released photos of the dogs and details on their medical conditions, including one of them being pregnant.

Thaxton was also ordered to pay $45,000 in fines and 360 hours of community service. He is also forbidden from owning, possessing or breeding dogs.

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Bird Dog, age 2-3 Bird Dog, age 2-3 - Huddled in his doghouse, surrounded by mud. The veterinarian observed cryptorchidism. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Jack, age 8 Jack, age 8 - The veterinarian noted that Jack had multiple pedunculated masses on his abdomen, follicular issue in his right rear paw, swelling around nail beds on some nails on all four paws, masses present on his left shoulder and left side of his mouth, and epilus mass on his gums. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Cookie, age 2-3 Cookie, age 2-3 - The veterinarian observed abnormal skin with the underside of her neck rubbed furless and raw. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

CB, age 2-3 CB, age 2-3 - Had to be medicated for stress and anxiety (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Unnamed puppy, later named “Ravioli," age 12 weeks Unnamed puppy, later named “Ravioli," age 12 weeks - The veterinarian observed abnormal eyes (discharge from left eye) and abnormal hair/coat/nails. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

King Kong, age 2-3 King Kong, age 2-3 - The veterinarian noted abnormal teeth (tartar/mild gingivitis) and multiple thickened scars on top of his neck. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Miss Piggy, age 2-3 Miss Piggy, age 2-3 - Miss Piggy was pregnant at the time of the search warrant. She later gave birth to nine puppies. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Brownie, age 2-3 Brownie, age 2-3 - The veterinarian noted abnormal teeth (tartar) and raw skin under the neck. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Roscoe, age 2-3 Roscoe, age 2-3 - The veterinarian observed abnormal skin, multiple linear lacerations/scratches/scars on top of his neck extending down his back, scars and fur loss around his neck, and raw skin under his neck. (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Chains used to tether dogs Chains used to tether dogs (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)

Breaking stick found in defendant's home Breaking stick found in defendant's home (Cherokee County District Attorney's Office)