Almost 30 dogs were seized in Mississippi by the Panola County Sheriff's Office after authorities said they determined that a dogfight was in the process or beginning at a residential home.
The Panola County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) also said that 13 vehicles were seized after a large mass of people left the scene — "many from other counties and out of state." The PSCO said that these 13 vehicles they were able to seize had owners who were participants in the dog fighting.
It all reportedly began when a 911 hang-up call was placed from a home west of Como, Mississippi. According to the PCSO, 29 dogs in "various stages of health, many of them bearing scars from previous fights," were taken by authorities.
The PCSO said they are working with other entities to ensure that these dogs get the best available care.
A 37-year-old man named Damien Jay Smoot, who lived in Como, was arrested, according to the PCSO. He is the homeowner of the residence where this operation was taking places, according to the PCSO.
He has been charged with dogfighting, according to the PCSO, and dogfighting is a felony charge.
The PCSO said that this investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected to follow.