Washington, GA -- "It was bad. I've been in law enforcement twenty years, I've been here sixteen years in this community, and this is the worst cruelty to animals dog fighting case I've ever been involved in," says Washington Police Department Lt. Joe Nelson.
Lt. Nelson says the smell was horrific when they executed a search warrant at the house, last Tuesday. Not only were there nine pit bulls living in a small space outside, but investigators say they found carcasses littering the property.
"'Was it scary?' Yes, yes, these dogs were vicious. These dogs were bred to kill. They were foaming at the mouth, they were ready to attack," says Lt. Nelson.
Police arrested Tavaris and Lawanda Ramsey and seized the pit bulls, drugs, and other valuables. But, authorities say this ring is far-reaching and expect to make more arrests.
Walking with us Monday, the lieutenant found a pregnant pit bull in the woods near the house and says if Animal Control hadn't taken it, a litter of killer dogs was inevitable.
It's a heart-wrenching situation for any animal lover, including those at Washington-Wilkes Animal Shelter where the dogs are being held. "Our efforts are put forth trying to save the dogs, do the best we can for them. But that's the key, to do what's best for the dog," says Gloria Wheatley.
The shelter says it's looking for a sanctuary for the six puppies, in case they can be saved. They say the three adult pit bulls will have to be put down. As for the pregnant pit bull they took Monday, it was very skittish, but they say they'll monitor it and decide what to do with the puppies forthcoming.
Tavaris and Lawanda Ramsey are facing a string of charges, both drug- and dogfighting-related. Most of them are felonies. Several surrounding law enforcement agencies are part of this investigation, including the GBI and the Georgia State Patrol.
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