A months-long investigation into an alleged dog-fighting operation in Newton County culminated Saturday night with a major multi-agency raid that resulted in 45 arrests, the seizure of cash, drugs and firearms, and the rescue of two severely injured dogs.
According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in March after a steady flow of complaints and anonymous tips pointed to suspected dog-fighting activity in the rural Call community. Deputies spent months following up on leads and collecting information. By early November, investigators said they had enough evidence to secure a search warrant signed by a Newton County justice of the peace.
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office launched a coordinated enforcement effort dubbed “Operation Pitbull.” The operation brought together deputies from Newton County, Jasper County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Newton Police Department, and precinct constables from both counties.
Before approaching the property off FM 1004, deputies deployed the department’s drone equipped with FLIR thermal-imaging technology. The drone detected multiple individuals stationed along the tree line surrounding the site. Investigators say these “spotters” were acting as lookouts, a tactic commonly used in dog-fighting operations to warn participants of approaching law enforcement.
When officers moved in, they found two dogs locked in a violent fight inside a pit described as purpose-built for dog fighting. The scene quickly erupted as dozens of spectators scattered into the nearby woods. Despite the chaos, officers pursued the suspects through the brush and took the majority of them into custody.
Deputies separated the two dogs and secured them in kennels to prevent further injury. Both animals were later transported to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment of extensive bite wounds. Their long-term prognosis has not yet been released.
The sudden influx of detainees required significant manpower and resources. Newton County jail staff responded with a transport van, and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office sent two additional vans along with extra personnel to help move suspects and process arrests at the Newton County Jail.
Once the scene was secured, investigators began examining vehicles and evidence left behind. Approximately 40 vehicles were towed from the property. Deputies reported finding illegal narcotics in plain view inside many of them, as well as firearms and large amounts of cash. In total, about $73,858 in U.S. currency was seized. Officials say they will pursue asset forfeiture proceedings to seize money and items believed to be tied to criminal activity.
Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard said the cruelty discovered at the site was among the worst he has encountered in his law-enforcement career. “Dog fighting and animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Newton County,” Havard said in a statement. “This is one of the most disturbing crimes I have ever witnessed and the individuals involved should be ashamed of themselves. As your Sheriff, I vow to utilize every resource at our disposal to combat criminal activity in our county.”
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office issued its own statement late Saturday, confirming its deputies assisted in serving the search warrant, detaining suspects, and transporting prisoners. Jasper County Sheriff’s Office leadership commended their personnel for responding quickly and said they were “more than pleased to assist Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard and his office with putting these individuals in jail.”
Authorities say the investigation is still active as they analyze evidence gathered from the property, interview suspects, and coordinate with animal-welfare professionals.
More charges may be forthcoming.
