In March of 2025, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into an alleged dog-fighting ring in the Call community. Over the last several months, numerous complaints and tips have been received regarding dog fighting. Throughout the investigation, probable cause was established, and a search warrant was signed by a Newton County Justice of the Peace.
On the evening of Saturday, November 22, 2025, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from several other law enforcement agencies, converged on the property to serve the search warrant.
Prior to the warrant service, the Sheriff’s Office utilized the department’s drone to conduct surveillance for officer safety purposes. While utilizing the “FLIR” technology, deputies located “spotters” on the perimeter of the property. Spotters are commonly utilized to conduct counter surveillance and alert participants of any law enforcement observed in the area.
When law enforcement arrived, an active fight between two dogs was taking place in a pit clearly constructed for the purpose of dog fighting. Most of the individuals at the scene fled into a wooded area but were ultimately captured by law enforcement. Deputies then separated the two dogs and placed them into kennels for their safety.
Ultimately, 45 individuals were arrested for dog fighting, which required Newton County Jail staff to respond with the jail transport van. Additionally, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded with two transport vans and additional staff to assist with transporting individuals and completing the booking process.
The two dogs involved in the fight were transported by deputies to the Nederland Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment of their wounds.
The NCSO thanks:
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas Parks and Wildlife
• Newton Police Department
• Newton County Pct. 1 Constable Greg Harbison
• Jasper County Sheriff’s Office
• Jasper County Pct. 6 Constable Chad Ainsworth
Approximately 40 vehicles were towed from the property, many of which contained illegal narcotics in plain view, firearms, and United States currency. Approximately $73,858 in U.S. currency was taken into evidence, and we will be petitioning the court to seize all currency and other items related to criminal activity.
Sheriff Colton Havard said, “Dog fighting and animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Newton County. In my years in law enforcement, 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.”
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