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Trial date tentatively set for 2 brothers accused of running Smith County dogfighting ring

Documents show the dogs had injuries ranging from severe to minor and scars consistent with fighting. The dogs were allegedly kept in cages or on chains in the yard.

TYLER, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video aired on Nov. 6, 2024.

A trial date has been tentatively set for two brothers accused of running a dogfighting ring in Smith County. 

Michael Cameron Jones, 31, and Kerry Jones, 35, both of Tyler, are each facing one count of animal cruelty and two counts of dogfighting (participating in the earnings and providing a building). 

Court records show the brothers have a plea docket agreement hearing on Dec. 5 and a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 19. The trial has been scheduled for Jan. 13 in the 241st District Court. 

Michael Jones waived his arraignment on Friday, Nov. 15, while Kerry Jones is set to be arraigned on this Friday, Nov. 22, according to judicial records. 

The brothers were arrested in September after the Smith County Sheriff's Office found 59 injured dogs and dogfighting equipment on their property. Documents show the dogs had injuries ranging from severe to minor and scars consistent with fighting. The dogs were allegedly kept in cages or on chains in the yard. 

Credit: Smith County Jail Records

Arrest documents say many of the dogs were locked in cages and malnourished. The animals also had fresh injuries and visible blood and scars consistent with fighting. 

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, the affidavit showed. 

Among the equipment found at the property was: 

  • 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

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