January 30, 2008

DALLAS – The Associated Press reported today that 11 people have been arrested in association with a rural dogfighting ring.

Following an anonymous tip, authorities with the Marion County Sheriff's Department were able to raid a home during a fight.

Eleven dogs were found on the premises and in vehicles outside the home. Two dogs were in the midst of fighting when authorities entered and as of Sunday were listed in critical condition with the SPCA of Texas.

The sheriff's report says 11-15 people were present when authorities entered the home last Sunday.

Four were able to escape into a nearby wooded area, but 10 others were taken into custody on animal cruelty and criminal activity charges. An eleventh was charged with failure to identify herself to police.

The man who hosted the illegal fight, Tyrone Eugene Luster, faces three charges; cruelty to animals/organized criminal activity, tampering with physical evidence and a felon in possession of a firearm.

Luster's bail has been set at $500,000. The nine others' bail was set at $50,000 each – they face one count each of cruelty to animals/organized criminal activity.

If you'd like to help find homes for the dogs mentioned in this story, go to spca.org.

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