BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County deputies said they arrested two people involved in an alleged dog fighting ring on Merritt Island.
Deputies responded to a home on Easy Street after receiving tips about possible animal abuse Saturday night.
Deputies found several malnourished dogs along with a fighting ring.
The said blood was visible on both the dogs and the ring.
Animal Services officials responded to the scene and safely rescued the dogs.
Agents arrested Altrevius Byron, 41, and Edsheina Thomas, 32.
Byron was charged with fighting dogs and is being held in jail on no bond.
Thomas was charged with animal cruelty and is being held in lieu of a $500 bond.
Byron has a long criminal history, which includes sexual battery and drug charges.
Thomas has a history of child abuse, theft and drug charges.
“To maintain pets in such deplorable conditions absolutely infuriates me,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey, of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in a report. “I applaud the interaction of the community for taking a stand against crime and helping us protect animals that otherwise cannot protect themselves.”
The dogs were taken to the Sheriff's Animal Services Center for emergency treatment.
Deputies are still investigating the operation.