A major law enforcement operation in Newton County led to the arrest of 45 people connected to an alleged dog fighting ring in the rural Call community, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Colton Havard said the investigation began in March after deputies received repeated complaints and tips about dog fighting activity in the area.
“In March of 2025, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into an alleged dog-fighting ring in the Call community. Over the last several months, numerous complaints and tips have been received regarding dog fighting. Throughout the investigation, probable cause was established, and a search warrant was signed by a Newton County Justice of the Peace,” Havard posted.
Under Texas Penal Code 42.10, dog fighting is a criminal offense that includes causing a dog to fight another dog, operating a facility used for dog fighting, allowing property to be used for fights, owning or training dogs for fighting, possessing dog-fighting equipment, or knowingly attending a dog fight.
Deputies moved in on the night of November 22 after conducting drone surveillance of the property. Thermal imaging revealed several “spotters” positioned around the perimeter, which officials said is commonly used to detect approaching law enforcement.
“When law enforcement arrived, an active fight between two dogs was taking place in a pit clearly constructed for the purpose of dog fighting,” the sheriff’s office said. “Most of the individuals at the scene fled into a wooded area but were ultimately captured by law enforcement. Deputies then separated the two dogs and placed them into kennels for their safety.”
In total, 45 individuals were detained or arrested at the scene. The number of suspects required the Newton County Jail to deploy a transport van, while the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded with two additional vans and booking personnel.
Deputies also towed 40 vehicles from the property and seized $73,858 in cash as evidence. Multiple dogs were recovered from the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities have not yet released the full list of charges.
