KOLD News 13 live, local and late breaking-Tucson Area Raids Target Dog Fighting Ring

Tucson Area Raids Target Dog Fighting Ring

KOLD News 13 News Editor Marissa Pasquet

Officials with the Pima County Sheriff's Department say one of the top dog fighting breeders in the country is in custody. Investigators raided at least four locations in the Tucson area that they say are part of a dog fighting ring. Deputies detained several people; six were arrested Tuesday. 

A KOLD News 13 crew was on the scene at a home on Tucson's west side as authorities seized an estimated 90 animals and took the suspects into custody.  During another raid in the 6900 block of W. Indian Kitchen, additional arrests were made and 18 dogs were seized from the property, according to Sheriff's deputies. 

Authorities say the raids follow an 11-month investigation that started with a tip from the U.S. Humane Society, located in Washington D.C.

Pima Animal Care and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona are helping provide shelter for all of the seized animals.  Combined, a total of 130 dogs were taken to local shelters after Tuesday's raids, authorities report.

It appears the operation bred and trained dogs for the sole purpose of dog fighting. Most of the dogs seized are pit bulls that authorities say were being bred for dog fighting.  Investigators said some dogs were found with bite marks, tell-tale signs associated with the blood sport.