New York

Officials: 22 Indicted in Multistate Dog-Fighting Ring

Authorities say they've broken up a violent, multistate dog-fighting ring involving hundreds of dogs forced into brutal combat.

Authorities said Monday that a Baltimore grand jury returned indictments against 22 people involved in the ring, 14 of whom are in custody. They're all charged with animal cruelty, dog fighting and conspiracy.

The indictments came after authorities raided 18 locations in the Baltimore area and a compound in West Virginia following a yearlong investigation.

An official at the Baltimore State's Attorney's Office says authorities recovered 225 dogs, including 50 puppies, and at least 20 weapons as part of the investigation. The fate of all the dogs once they were taken to shelters is unclear.

Authorities say the ring also has links in North Carolina, New York and elsewhere in Maryland.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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