Georgia’s new tougher dogfighting law is being put to use in Cherokee County. A Union Hill man faces up to 10 counts of animal cruelty and felony possession of marijuana stemming from an alleged dog breeding operation running out of his home.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Randall Thaxton, 44, of the 6300 block of Union Hill Road near Avery Elementary School.

“Today was a momentous day in the fight against the cruel world of organized dogfighting,” said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The Humane Society of the United States, which began its investigation in April after receiving a tip on its anonymous hotline. Two weeks ago, the Humane Society contacted local law enforcement to make a move on the case……It was a very significant arrest,” Cherokee Sheriff Roger Garrison said. “Those responsible will certainly receive what they deserve.”

Thanks to MDJ staff photographer Amber M. McCloskey who contributed to the story.

Ten pit bull dogs, including several that appeared little more than puppies and one believed to be pregnant, lived in the woods behind the house amid trash and their own filth with little shelter from the elements.

They were hidden from passersby and from each other, tethered in dirt clearings to metal rods by chains with links as big as a fist. Few had water, and no food was in sight.

A treadmill designed for dogs was seized by investigators, as was a “rape stand,” which is what dogfighters call the device used to hold a female pit bull in place for breeding. Investigators found no immediate evidence of dead dogs or graves at the site, but took soil samples for testing.

Scarred on their heads and backs, some of the dogs limped toward the investigators as they approached. One looked at them out of his good eye, the other damaged and covered with a milky film. Some of their teeth had been filed to sharp points to attack, while others were filed down flat.

They bowed their heads and wagged their tails as investigators and volunteers reached out to pet them, but when another dog neared, the 80- to 90-pound pit bulls showed their aggression.

While no evidence has been found indicating that people came to the house to watch and bet on dogfights, investigators said it’s clear the dogs were being bred, raised and trained for fighting.

“These dogs were definitely used for fights,” sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Sgt. Jay Baker said, nothing that Thaxton previously has been arrested on drug charges. “We believe these dogs are being raised here and being sold to people who fight dogs.”