Authorities arrested a Meriwether County man after they found more than 30 emaciated and flea-infested pit bulls on his property, Sheriff Chuck Smith said.
A litter of pit-bull puppies was also found Friday on the property in Manchester, as well as evidence of training and dogfighting, Smith said.
Sherman Holt, 52, of a Chapel Hill Road address, was charged with one count of dogfighting, 25 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and nine counts of felony animal cruelty, Smith said. Bond is $112,500.
Investigators found a pit bull that was chained to a treadmill being forced to walk, Smith said. Most of the adult dogs were chained to car axles that were buried in the ground.
A large plastic drum filled with water that had chains attached to both sides was found. This apparently was used to make the dogs tread water, Smith said.
The pit bulls are now in the care of animal-control agencies from several counties, Smith said.
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