Advertisement Dozens of dogs found chained throughout woods without food, water; man charged Devechio Rowland, previously charged with dogfighting, faces at least 60 charges Share Shares Copy Link Copy

In a case that nearly brought a tough sheriff to tears, a man is facing at least 60 counts of animal cruelty, according to the Polk County Police Department.Police Chief Kenneth Dodd said officers found at least 60 mixed breed dogs chained to trees throughout a wooded area behind a home that belongs to a man who was arrested several years ago on dogfighting charges.An anonymous tip to animal control led officers to the foreclosed home of Devechio Rowland in Aragon, about an hour and a half from Atlanta.The dogs were on chains no more than six feet long with no food or water. Some had access to barrels with the end cut off for shelter, but most had no shelter at all. Dodd called it one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he’s ever seen, and said it was so horrible it made him want to cry.“None of these dogs are vicious,” Dodd said, “I have petted every one of them myself.”Officers rushed to get bowls and containers and the Polk County Fire Department brought in a pumper truck to provide water for the dogs. As Dodd and officers worked to rescue the dogs, most very thin and many covered with scars, the dogs jumped and licked and wagged their tails, obviously desperate for human interaction.Rowland was previously arrested in 2010 on more than 120 charges of dogfighting and animal cruelty, officials said. But Dodd said he didn’t think Rowland was ever convicted.Dodd said his department will be working to help the dogs end up safe and to get Rowland convicted and justice served.“We are trying to get as much coverage of these dogs as possible,” Dodd posted on Facebook. “Please bear with us as we work through this process. We are aware of the numerous reports of stolen and missing dogs. We will assess each one as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this process.”Dodd posted that anyone who would like to donate food for the dogs should call Polk County Animal Control at 770-749-8908. “Thank you to everyone who brought food to the scene last night,” Dodd posted. “Your kindness is very much appreciated. May God bless you.”