27 arrested in Georgia dogfighting operation

Authorities have now arrested a total of 27 people in connection with a major dogfighting operation uncovered in Hart County after an additional person was taken into custody.

This comes after additional evidence was seized during a follow-up search in neighboring Elbert County.

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The Hart County Sheriff’s Office said a total of 29 dogs across both locations, including 20 adult dogs, six puppies and three deceased animals.

Channel 2 Action News earlier reported on the 26 people arrested in connection with dogfighting.

The investigation began on Oct. 30, when deputies discovered a dogfighting event off Jim Heard Road in Hart County. Following initial arrests at the scene, investigators executed a search warrant on Tuesday at a residence in Elbert County linked to one of the suspects.

Among those facing charges of dogfighting and felony cruelty to animals is Tony Andre Hopps, 57, of Dade City, Florida.

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A Hart County Sheriff’s Office deputy initially responded to the scene off Jim Heard Road just before 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 after receiving reports of vehicles parked in the roadway. Upon arrival, the deputy saw multiple vehicles along both sides of the road, heard dogs barking and growling from a nearby wooded area and located additional vehicles with blood-stained dog crates in the back.

When the deputy walked up a drive into the woods, three men attempted to flee. The deputy took one person into custody while others ran into surrounding woods. Additional law enforcement units responded to assist, including deputies from the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.

Officers deployed two drones and three K9 units to search the area, finding 20 individuals hiding in nearby woods and a field. Authorities arrested four additional people who arrived at the scene and two others found walking along a nearby roadway. Law enforcement officers towed 27 vehicles from the scene and recovered cash, firearms and 11 dogs, which included seven adult dogs, one puppy and three deceased dogs.

The investigation led authorities to execute a search warrant on Nov. 3 at a residence on Sanders Road in Elbert County associated with one of the suspects arrested on Oct. 30. During the search, deputies seized 13 adult dogs and five puppies. All surviving animals were placed in the custody of Hart County Animal Control.

Hart County Sheriff Chris Carroll acknowledged the joint effort required to handle the operation and care for the recovered animals.

“I want to thank the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and Elbert County Animal Control for its continued partnership in this investigation, along with Hart County Animal Control for its assistance in taking custody of the seized animals,” Carroll said.

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and federal partners. Authorities indicated that additional charges or arrests may be filed as the investigation continues.

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