LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A SWAT team raided a property in DeLand early Wednesday morning, rescuing over two dozen dogs who were chained up there, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, deputies said the raid happened around 4:49 a.m. at 31938 3rd Ave.
While searching the home, investigators found 29 dogs that were chained and in makeshift kennels, ranging from puppies to elderly dogs, deputies added.
[BELOW: Watch law enforcement rescue dogs from the DeLand property]
“The majority of the dogs had (scarring) that are consistent to dogfighting and were in various stages of healing,” the release reads. “The search warrant also revealed narcotics.”
An LCSO spokeswoman told News 6 that the kennels had made it difficult for the dogs to move around, and they lacked clean water or adequate shelter to protect them from the elements outside.
As a result, the sheriff’s office announced that Jason Bigger, 48, was arrested. He now faces 29 counts of animal cruelty, 29 counts of baiting and fighting animals, and charges of marijuana possession and tampering with evidence.
In addition, deputies stated that the 29 dogs are being held at the Lake County Animal Shelter.
Following the incident, the Office of Animal Services in Lake County said the animals were doing “very well.”
“We were pleasantly surprised,” Whitney Boylston said. “Temperament-wise, we had a lot of tail wags and kisses. The dogs were very welcoming of affection.”
Boylston explained that some of the dogs have been treated for various conditions, though all are expected to make a full recovery.
“Everybody has been vaccinated and de-wormed and flea treated,” she added.
Due to the fact that the criminal investigation is active, these dogs are not available for adoption or fostering for the time being. But Boylston noted that this event has underscored the need for people to adopt the dogs that have been at the shelter.
“We have so many other dogs here — 171 dogs total,” she said.
Boylston also said that if people adopt or foster the dogs that are available, the staff will be better equipped to care for the dogs recently brought under their roof.
Meanwhile, anyone with information on Bigger’s alleged dogfighting is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at (352) 343-2101 or Crimeline at (800) 423-8477.