The Shocking Details Of An Alleged Dogfighting Bust Lands Two Tyler Men In Jail.

Dogfighting continues to be a disturbing and illegal practice in Texas, despite efforts to crack down on the cruel underground activity. This violent blood sport involves forcing dogs, often pit bulls, into brutal fights for gambling and entertainment, leading to severe injuries or death.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office have shared details about a dog fighting bust north of Tyler where 2 Tyler business owners have been arrested on charges.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING MAY CONTAIN IMAGES OF ANIMAL CRUELTY.

According to KETK, The Smith County sheriff’s office said at around noon on Monday the Smith County Animal Control were notified after someone found wounded dogs near a home on CR 4136.

A nonprofit called Nicolas Pet Haven also responded to the scene where they found more than 50 dogs at the property - six of which were in critical condition. Dogs were also reportedly found in cages, hot boxes and tied to treadmills. They posted a series of photos of the dogs on their Facebook page which you can click here to see.

Animal control officials said the dog fighting ring was on the property including areas where the dogs were “conditioned.”

Search warrants and seizure warrants for the property were issued, allowing officials to remove the dogs from the home and around the property.

The sheriff’s office said evidence found at the scene has led investigators to believe the location is part of a large-scale dogfighting operation that could extend out of East Texas.

On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office arrested 34-year-old Kerry Jones of Tyler and 31-year-old Michael Jones.

Kerry (left) has been charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and participating in the earnings of or operations of a facility used for dog fighting. He is being held at the Smith County Jail under a combined bond of $560,000.

Michael has been arrested with cruelty to non-livestock animal and is being held at the Smith County Jail on a $500,000 bond. The Sheriffs office says that its investigation is on going and they expect more arrests are coming.

The arrests sent shock through the Tyler community as the Jones' are known for their BBQ shop "Blessed Hands BBQ" which sits about a mile away from the property where the dogs were seized.

Contact Nicolas Pet Haven For More Details On How To Help

Animal control officials said the dogs will have to go through a temperament exam to determine if they can be fostered but if you would like to donate or possibly foster one of these dogs, contact them (903) 312-7585 or visit their website at https://www.nicholaspethaven.org/