Texas Dog-Fighting Ring Shattered as 45 Arrested in Major East Texas Raid

Authorities in Newton County dismantled a massive, highly organized dog-fighting ring on November 22, 2025, culminating months of undercover surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The covert probe, known as Operation Pitbull, targeted a secluded property in the Call community, just north of Beaumont, where deputies discovered an active fight underway.

The dramatic bust led to 45 arrests and uncovered links to drug trafficking, illegal weapons, and large-scale gambling, marking a watershed moment in the region’s fight against animal cruelty and organized crime.

Inside Operation Pitbull

The investigation began in March, after a stream of community complaints pointed deputies toward unusual late-night activity in the Call area.

What initially appeared to be a standard animal-cruelty inquiry quickly evolved into a complex surveillance effort, with investigators uncovering signs of a coordinated criminal network.

For months, deputies monitored traffic to and from the property, identifying patterns consistent with scheduled fights and illegal wagering. By autumn, authorities believed they had enough evidence to act.

The operation reached its turning point on the evening of November 22, when the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, backed by several agencies, executed a precisely planned raid.

Before moving in, deputies launched a drone equipped with thermal imaging to scan for “spotters” — lookouts positioned along the property’s borders to warn participants of police presence.

This level of security confirmed what investigators had long suspected: the ring was not a loose gathering of casual participants but a structured enterprise designed to evade detection.

When deputies finally breached the property, timing could not have been more critical. They discovered an active dog fight taking place in a constructed pit, with dozens of onlookers surrounding the scene.

Officers immediately moved to secure the animals, detain suspects, and preserve evidence that would later underscore the breadth of the operation.

A Massive Sweep and 45 Arrests

The number of arrests stunned even seasoned investigators. Forty-five individuals were taken into custody as they attempted to flee on foot into nearby wooded terrain.

The scale of the operation required significant resources, prompting the Newton County Jail to deploy its transport van while Jasper County sent two more to handle the influx of detainees.

It was one of the largest single-event dog-fighting arrests the region has seen in years.

Authorities have not yet publicly released the names of those arrested, though many have since posted bond. At the time of reporting, several individuals still did not appear in the jail system due to the volume of incoming charges.

Each faces counts of dog fighting and animal cruelty, offenses that carry penalties of up to a year in jail and fines reaching $4,000 under Texas law.

Officials say additional charges are possible as the investigation moves forward.

The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the sheer number of participants illustrates the level of organization at play.

With gambling, breeding, training, and drug activity all happening simultaneously, Operation Pitbull revealed a network far more complex than a single event or isolated incident.

Cash, Drugs, Weapons, and a Criminal Network Exposed

As deputies searched the property, they uncovered evidence of far more than animal cruelty.

Authorities seized $73,858 in cash believed to be tied to illegal gambling, underscoring the high-stakes betting that fuels many dog-fighting operations.

Around 40 vehicles were found on the premises, and deputies reported illegal narcotics, firearms, and additional cash visible inside several of them.

The Sheriff’s Office has stated its intention to pursue forfeiture of all currency and assets tied to criminal activity.

Investigators say the discovery of weapons and narcotics confirms what law enforcement has long maintained: dog-fighting rings rarely exist in isolation and often intersect with drug trafficking and illegal firearm distribution, posing a significant threat to public safety.

For investigators, the haul of evidence offered a rare and unfiltered glimpse into a criminal ecosystem that thrives behind closed gates and rural fences.

The raid removed a substantial network from circulation and provided critical insight into the financial and logistical systems that kept it running.

Sixteen Dogs Pulled From the Property

Sixteen dogs were rescued during the raid, including two actively locked in combat when officers arrived.

Deputies separated the animals, placed them in kennels, and transported them to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for urgent treatment.

Many of the surviving dogs showed signs of prolonged abuse, scarring, and injuries consistent with repeated fighting.

Veterinarians say the road ahead will be long. Several of the dogs will require extensive medical treatment and, in some cases, specialized rehabilitation to address trauma, fear, and behavioral conditioning.

Local rescue groups and animal-welfare advocates are already coordinating with authorities to assist in the dogs’ recovery and eventual placement.

Sheriff’s Office Condemns “One of the Most Disturbing Crimes”

Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard released a statement underscoring the gravity of what his deputies witnessed.

He said dog fighting and animal cruelty “will not be tolerated” and described the crime as one of the most disturbing of his career.

Havard emphasized that those involved “should be ashamed of themselves,” adding that the department will use every resource available to pursue justice.

His remarks reflected widespread sentiment within law enforcement circles.

Many agencies view dog fighting not only as a shocking act of animal brutality but as a gateway activity connected to drugs, violence, and organized crime.

Investigators say Operation Pitbull is proof that these cases demand comprehensive enforcement and serious legal consequences.

National Advocates Push for Stronger Laws

Animal welfare groups across the country praised the raid and pointed to it as a prime example of why stronger federal laws are needed.

Animal Wellness Action, led by Wayne Pacelle, highlighted the close connection between animal-fighting operations and broader criminal activity, noting that narcotics and firearms were found alongside the fighting pit.

Advocacy groups say these cases demonstrate the urgent need for enhanced penalties and expanded investigative tools.

Lawmakers have proposed the FIGHT Act — H.R. 3946 and S. 1454 — as a way to bolster federal authority over animal-fighting crimes.

Supporters argue that the bill would close enforcement gaps, strengthen penalties, and help dismantle multistate networks of breeders, handlers, transporters, and gambling organizers who profit from animal cruelty.

Why the Newton County Bust Matters

The raid’s impact extends beyond the property itself.

For local residents, Operation Pitbull shows how community tips can lead to major breakthroughs when law enforcement has the time and resources to act.

Investigators say citizen reports were crucial in identifying the property and establishing patterns of suspicious activity.

For animal advocates, the operation provides a model for future crackdowns: coordinated agencies, months of surveillance, and advanced technology such as thermal drones can expose deeply embedded operations once thought impossible to infiltrate.

It also demonstrates that dog-fighting rings often bring with them drugs, guns, and threats to public safety, reinforcing the need for broader enforcement beyond animal-cruelty units.

For lawmakers, the case adds momentum to efforts to modernize state and federal animal-cruelty laws, increasing penalties and expanding authority across jurisdictions.

The Investigation Is Far From Over

Although the raid concluded on November 22, investigators caution that Operation Pitbull is ongoing.

Authorities are now working to identify additional suspects, financial operators, and organizers connected to the ring.

Deputies say that anyone with information should contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, as further charges and arrests are likely as the case progresses.

Local officials continue to release updates as evidence is processed and court proceedings begin.

Prosecutors expect a lengthy legal battle, given the number of defendants and the range of criminal activity uncovered on the property.