TN: More dead dogs dumped on Madison Co. roads; sheriff suspects fight ring nearby

By Victoria Taylor
Story Created: Jan 23, 2015 at 5:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 23, 2015 at 6:53 PM CST

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Another six dead dogs have been found dumped on Madison County roads. Sheriff John Mehr said there's evidence of a dog fighting ring in the area.

"There's a group that is actually fighting the dogs," Mehr said. "It may not be in our county, but they're bringing them to our county to dump the dogs out."

According to reports, deputies were called to Cerro Gordo Road Thursday night to investigate two pit bulls and three unknown breed dogs dumped in a ditch. Investigators said the dogs all had injuries "consistent with dog fighting."

Mehr said the sheriff's office is investigating the deaths of the dogs. "We would like to get to the bottom of who's dumping them and hopefully trace it back to where they're fighting the dogs," he said.

While the deputy was investigating at Cerro Gordo, another report of a single pit bull dumped on Horton Road came in. Last week, WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reported three pit bulls dumped on Saint Road. In all three cases the dogs are left in garbage or feed bags.

When asked if the dump sites are connected, Mehr said they may be. "Some of the people who are raising the dogs or fighting them and going back to where they live or, it can be a close proximity of where the fights are going on," he said.

Residents on Cerro Gordo Road said it's not uncommon to see people dumping what appears to be garbage along the road. "I will be very conscious of looking out for bags and things like that. As a dog owner, I think it's terrible for people to dump dogs," Wendy Trice Martin said.

Martin said she hates to know animal cruelty is happening so close to home. "To think that it's in your backyard and they're using this area as a dumping site — that does bother me," she said.

Anyone with information about dog fighting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 731-424-TIPS (8477). You will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

More dead dogs dumped on Madison Co. roads; sheriff suspects fight ring nearby | WBBJTV West Tennessee's News Channel | Local News