Created: 7/14/2007 10:31:01 PM 
(Richland County) - The Humane Society says it has uncovered a huge dog-fighting operation in Northeast Richland County.
James Earl Green has been charged with one count of dog fighting. He was released Saturday on a $5,000 PR bond. Humane Society Executive Director, Josh Gowans, said he plans to file 40 more counts in the coming days, 20 for dog fighting and 20 for cruelty to animals. Each count of dog fighting is punishable by five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
While Gowans could not release the exact address under investigation, he said the 21 dogs were discovered after the Richland County Sheriffs Department found the animals during a separate investigation.
Because the dogs are extremely violent and hard to place in shelters, Gowans said they were only able to seize five of the 16 animals. He said he fears other individuals involved in the ring have since taken possession of them.
"This case represents both a success and a failure in my view. It's successful in the sense that I think it's a slam dunk case, and we can prosecute without a problem, but leaving 16 dogs behind--that's a tough thing to swallow," Gowan said.
If you have any information on others who may be involved, or if you see any dogs believed to be involved in fighting rings, call Crimestoppers at 1-888-559-TIPS.
