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They were fighting a dog ring, according to DeKalb County Police, but now 17 dogs are safe thanks to officers.

They were rescued from a home on Cedar Grove Place and were taken to DeKalb County Animal Service, which was already full before the bust, for evaluation.

Police have arrested two people, but officers are looking for a third.

Staffers at DeKalb County Animal Services are doing all they can to make 17 dogs feel safe, but the many of the dogs just shake and hide. Police said all 17 have been a part of a dogfighting ring.

"It's not their fault they've been put through this tremendous abuse," said Karen Hirsch with DeKalb County Animal Service.

Hirsch said she got a call from animal enforcement about the dogs. And even though the shelter was at capacity, they made room.


Authorities discovered the dogs on Dec. 29 from a tip. It stated that someone saw the dogs being transported to and from the house. Animal control officers went to check it out, and found the dogs with scars, as well as treadmills, supplements, even a calendar.

"That indicated weight on dogs, specific weights as wells as some fights that were scheduled. They schedule four to six weeks out," said DeKalb County Police Detective Jason Gagnon.

Gagnon said they searched the property for graves, but didn't find any.

"We don't believe the fighting occurred on the property," said Gagnon.

Police arrested Willie Dasher and Chaketa Williams, both appeared before a magistrate judge on the dogfighting charges.

Police are looking for a third man Christopher Austin.

For Hirsch, she just can't believe what these dogs have been through.

"We have one that’s hovering under a blanket, they're terrified. Who knows what they've been through," said Hirsch.

Prior to the incident the shelter already had already had an event scheduled for Saturday in honor of the University of Georgia going to the National Championship. Anyone who wears red can adopt a dog for just $25.