A total of 80 dogs were seized as part of a two-year drug investigation in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. While investigating the drug case, authorities uncovered a large-scale dogfighting operation on several properties throughout several counties.

35-year-old Desmond B. White and 37-year-old Maurice Baum face federal drug charges after authorities searched four locations in Elizabeth City earlier this month. Dogs were found at properties in Elizabeth City, Camden County and later at properties in Perquimans County and Pasquotank County.

"Getting these two off the streets of Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County on the drug charges alone will help provide for a much safer community, but also removing these animals and putting a stop to such cruelty goes even further to maintaining a safer community and protecting the dogs and public," Sherrif Randy Cartwright stated in a press release. He added, "This was a very large operation reaching across many state lines, effects several people and communities."

Officials said many of the dogs have scarring and injuries consistent with dog fighting. An emergency shelter has been opened for the dogs care. The investigation into the dogfighting is currently underway and no charges have yet been filed.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) took part in two of the raids and is helping authorties with the investigation and the SPCA in housing and care for the next month until the courts determine the custody of the dogs. They said that the dogs will be individually evaluated for potential placement with HSUS Dogfighting Rescue Coalition placement partners.

Related:

• Pit Bulls rescued from backyard dog fighting operation
• 65 Pit Bulls and beagles rescued from suspected dog fighting operation
• Tougher dogfighting laws in Michigan bring up to 20 years in jail and $100,000 fines

• dogfighting
• North Carolina
• Pasquotank County