At the request of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the ASPCA is assisting with evidence collection and the removal of seven dogs and approximately 100 roosters and hens as part of an animal cruelty and cockfighting investigation in Lake Butler, Florida, approximately 30 miles north of Gainesville.

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A search warrant was executed Tuesday, June 27. Investigators discovered animals living in deplorable conditions on the property, many of them exhibiting signs of neglect with no access to food, water or shelter. Animal fighting paraphernalia was also discovered on the property.

The property owner had been previously convicted of dogfighting in 2011, after more than 100 animals were seized from his property. Tuesday, he was arrested by the Union County Sheriff’s Office on numerous drug charges stemming from the search warrant of his property, and potentially faces multiple animal fighting and cruelty charges based on evidence collected with the assistance of ASPCA personnel.

The animals will be transported by the ASPCA to a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location, where they will be cared for until custody is determined by the court. The ASPCA will also provide behavior assessments, as well as legal support to ensure the best possible outcome for these animals.

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