SPCA of Texas
Audio By Carbonatix
Dallas Police seized hundreds of animals from multiple locations during an enforcement operation targeting illegal dogfighting, the department announced on Wednesday.
According to posts on DPD social media pages, officers executed search warrants at “dozens” of locations in Dallas on Tuesday as part of an animal cruelty and dogfighting investigation dubbed “Operation Fight Club.” Over 200 dogs were confiscated, in addition to 21 rifles, 26 pistols, 11 shotguns and six revolvers, as well as 500 grams of cocaine and marijuana. Fentanyl pills, along with paraphernalia tied to dog fighting, including treadmills and chains, were also taken by authorities.
Police representatives declined to comment on where the warrants were executed as the investigation is ongoing. Information on arrests tied to the operation was also not provided, although posts clarified that “arrests for dogfighting and additional crimes will be announced” as the investigation progresses.
The operation was a collaborative multi-agency effort between DPD, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI, Dallas Animal Services, the ASPCA and Operation Kindness.
The city entered into a formal, nonbinding agreement with Operation Kindness in May to provide medical, foster and enrichment services in support of the animal services department. Meredith Jones of Operation Kindness said the organization has provided forensic services for Dallas Police animal cruelty investigations.
“Our role there is just a completely unbiased medical opinion based on the evidence. Any wounds, any exit wounds, if there’s a gunshot, just all sorts of things to consider,” Jones said. “And then make a vet statement based on that. We also make recommendations for the care of the animal.”
Jones said that Operation Kindness staff were present at both a centralized operations hub and properties under investigation on Tuesday.
“That really helps in terms of building the case,” Jones said. “Because if you think about it, if an animal is brought to you from their environment, you’re examining them in a shelter or some off-site [location]. All you have to go off of is that animal in front of you.”
“Being able to examine the animal and also take into consideration the environment and the conditions in which they’re living can really help make a more robust statement and share a little more of the complete story of that animal and the conditions in which they’re living.”
Operation Kindness handles live animal exams and necropsies for DPD, Jones said. She could not comment on the condition of the animals the organization interacted with, but did say staff had “eyes on just about every dog,” seized on the operation. She also said the animals are being housed by Dallas Animal Services and the ASPCA.
“Certainly, in the 10 years that I’ve been here, this is one of, if not the largest, dog-fighting busts that I’ve been a part of,” Jones said.
Dallas Animal Services did not respond to requests for comment on the animals’ condition or their accommodations.
In an email statement, ASPCA representatives said nearly 150 of the dogs had been transported to ASPCA recovery centers to receive further examination, medical care, shelter, behavioral treatment and enrichment.
“Despite being a felony in every state, dogfighting still occurs all over the country, resulting in the suffering of countless vulnerable animals. The ASPCA is dedicated to putting an end to this horrific cycle of cruelty and bringing its victims to safety,” said Teresa Ladner, vice president of ASPCA Criminal Practice & Investigations, in the statement. “We are deeply grateful to the agencies involved in this complex and multifaceted rescue operation for pursuing justice for these animals and ensuring they receive the critical care they so urgently need.”
According to a year-end city council police report based on data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System, Dallas ended 2025 with 141 animal cruelty offenses reported within the city limits, down from 150 in 2024.
Jones was unable to say whether animal cruelty is trending in one direction or another in the city, but did say the multifaceted response seen this week should offer hope for the future.
“We know that in the future, if something like this happens again, that without any hesitation whatsoever, we have the collaborative spirit, and we also have the expertise to partner together and save these dogs from their situation,” Jones said.
