UPDATE:

Charges have been filed against the woman who owned a Pierce County property where evidence of an animal fighting ring and drug operation was found.

Court records show Senyen Vang faces three drug charges – including possession of amphetamine with intent to distribute.

The Pierce County sheriff told News 18 they found evidence of a large pot growing operation, and that Vang tried to leave the home with a safe that had four pounds of meth inside.

The sheriff’s office said the U.S. Marshall Service executed an arrest warrant for Houa Dia Yang at a rural Spring Valley home on August 30. The sheriff’s office assisted and allegedly found evidence of a cockfighting and dog fighting operation. As of last week, 1,500 animals had been seized.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has been called into help care for them.

Pierce County (WQOW) – More than 1,500 animals, including dogs and chickens, were seized from a property in the township of Gilman, Pierce County believed to be associated with dog fighting and cockfighting.

A search warrant for Houa Dia Yang was executed by the U.S. Marshall Service on Thursday August 30, where law enforcement officials discovered the animals living in “deplorable conditions” throughout the property. Yang was wanted on drug charges from Minnesota.

Dog fighting and cockfighting paraphernalia, illegal narcotics, pounds of marijuana and a safe with four pounds of meth was taken from the residence.

A female named Senyen Yang also resided at the residence and was taken into custody.

Yang was allowed to leave with some of her belongings. When she was searched by deputies, they found she tried to leave with the safe full of meth. She now faces drug charges as well.

Some dogs were found tied to heavy chains and appeared to show scars and injuries commonly associated with dog fighting, while roosters were found with physical alterations associated with cockfighting.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is assisting the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office with the animal abuse investigation.

The sheriff told News they are not done counting all of the animals yet, but most of them were well fed and in OK condition.

“This is the second large-scale animal cruelty case we have encountered in the past two years,” said Pierce County Sheriff Nancy Hove. “When we are made aware of any animal cruelty issues we do the best we can to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.”

The animals are being transported to ASPCA temporary shelters at undisclosed locations where they will be cared for by ASPCA staff.

In Wisconsin, engaging in animal fighting is a Class I Felony, punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment of 3.5 years for first offenders.

Photos are provided by ASPCA