SMITH COUNTY, Texas — Arrest documents show two brothers accused of running a dog fighting ring in Smith County had an arena inside their home and equipment consistent with dog fighting.
Kerry and Michael Jones are both charged with animal cruelty in connection with a dog fighting ring investigation that law enforcement responded to on Monday.
Kerry Jones is also charged with dog fighting (participating in the earnings and providing a building). Kerry Jones remains in the Smith County Jail on bonds totaling $560,000, while Michael Jones remains in the Smith County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
According to the arrest affidavit, officers responded to calls about a dog eating the carcass of a dead dog on County Road 4136. When they arrived, law enforcement found over 40 dogs in poor condition at the address, and had reason to believe they were involved in a dog fighting ring.
The address had reportedly been under investigation for previous reports of a possible dog fighting ring, but could not find any dogs or evidence on the property until Sept. 9.
Law enforcement and animal control observed several dogs to be locked in cages and malnourished. Many of the dogs had fresh injuries and visible blood and scars consistent with fighting, the affidavit shows. Some reportedly appeared lethargic and unable to move. One dog was found with part of its bottom jaw missing and another looked to have had its nose removed from a possible dog bite.
Many of the dogs reportedly had weights around their necks commonly used to train dogs' muscles for fighting. A treadmill fashioned in a way to keep dogs on them to work out was found in plain view at the scene. Two dogs with the weights around their necks were actively walking on the treadmills in a shed with no ventilation or air conditioning in over 85 degree heat, leaving them susceptible to heat stroke or death.
A search warrant was issued for the property after the findings by law enforcement. A large wooden building that appeared to be under construction on the property was searched. Deputies found dark red colored stains consistent with dried blood inside. At the conclusion of the search, a total of 59 pit bull type dogs were found with injuries ranging from severe to minor and scars consistent with fighting. Six of the dogs were taken to receive veterinary care. The dogs were allegedly kept in cages or on chains in the yard.
Authorities also found:
- Three treadmills altered for use by dogs
- Two bite sticks used to break a dog's fight with bite marks showing they had been used
- Weighted collars used to strengthen fighting dogs
- Multiple empty vials and syringes of canine medicines including tranquilizer
- A building containing what appeared to be a fighting arena
The owner of the property, Kerry Jones, 34, admitted to being the property owner and owner of the dogs, arrest documents show, but refused to answer further questions without a lawyer present. Michael Cameron Jones, 31, identified himself as a co-owner of the property and brother to Kerry, who he confirmed owned all the dogs other than the "bully" dogs directly beside the home.
According to the Smith County Sheriff's Office, investigators found about seven pounds of packaged marijuana as well as THC products.