Vicki
Administrator
HOUSTON CO., AL (WSFA) - The State of Alabama is wanting a Houston County man to pay restitution to the state after 65 dogs, which were seized from his property during a raid of an animal fighting ring, received medical care from the Humane Society of the United States.
If ordered by the court, 49-year-old Jerome Hughes from Cottonwood, would have to pay a restitution in the amount of $434,516.
Thirty members of three rescue teams for the Humane Society of the United States were called in to assist the Cottonwood Police Department with the investigation.
Cottonwood police served a search warrant on the property after determining the dogs were in immediate need of rescue, according to the HSUS. The animals were said to be "severely malnourished" and many had no food, water or shelter. Authorities believe the dogs were used in a hog-dog fighting operation where packs of dogs are pitted against large hogs.
Officers first contacted Hughes back in Oct. 2014 and ordered him to provide adequate care for the animals. The animals are mostly dogo argentino, a breed that works in packs to catch hogs. There were also two French bulldogs and one German shepherd.
Hughes was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance faces multiple charges after the dogs were seized from a suspected illegal fighting operation on his property. He's also facing charges related to the dogs, and federal assistance was requested regarding the illegal weapons found at his home.
Authorities also uncovered illegal drugs, including a small amount of meth, as well as marijuana, along with firearms on the property. Animal cruelty and felony drug charges are pending. Investigators say they expect to obtain warrants for each of the 65 neglected dogs once they are cared for and documented.
Dogo Argentino dogs waiting to be rescued by The Humane Society of the United States Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 Cottonwood, AL
State wants Houston Co. man to pay restitution following raid of - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather Sports
If ordered by the court, 49-year-old Jerome Hughes from Cottonwood, would have to pay a restitution in the amount of $434,516.
Thirty members of three rescue teams for the Humane Society of the United States were called in to assist the Cottonwood Police Department with the investigation.
Cottonwood police served a search warrant on the property after determining the dogs were in immediate need of rescue, according to the HSUS. The animals were said to be "severely malnourished" and many had no food, water or shelter. Authorities believe the dogs were used in a hog-dog fighting operation where packs of dogs are pitted against large hogs.
Officers first contacted Hughes back in Oct. 2014 and ordered him to provide adequate care for the animals. The animals are mostly dogo argentino, a breed that works in packs to catch hogs. There were also two French bulldogs and one German shepherd.
Hughes was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance faces multiple charges after the dogs were seized from a suspected illegal fighting operation on his property. He's also facing charges related to the dogs, and federal assistance was requested regarding the illegal weapons found at his home.
Authorities also uncovered illegal drugs, including a small amount of meth, as well as marijuana, along with firearms on the property. Animal cruelty and felony drug charges are pending. Investigators say they expect to obtain warrants for each of the 65 neglected dogs once they are cared for and documented.
Dogo Argentino dogs waiting to be rescued by The Humane Society of the United States Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 Cottonwood, AL
State wants Houston Co. man to pay restitution following raid of - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather Sports
