34 arrested in western Georgia dogfighting ring

GREENVILLE, Ga. (AP) Sheriff's officials in western Georgia say 34 people have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a dogfighting operation.

Meriwether County Sheriff Chuck Smith says authorities seized 27 vehicles, more than $28,000 in cash and several guns during a raid on Saturday night. Authorities also found scales, lighting equipment and generators.

Smith says sheriff's deputies found a large fighting pit during their investigation and took two dogs into protective custody. Smith says one of the nearly three dozen vehicles that were seized was a catering truck that served food to spectators during the fights.

Smith says those who were arrested have been charged with gambling, animal cruelty, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, theft and conspiracy to commit or promote dog fighting.