- Georgia, USA -
The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office announced that on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Cherokee County Superior Court, 59 RANDALL LARRY THAXTON (pictured) was sentenced after being found guilty of running a dogfighting operation out of his Canton home.
On December 8, 2023, after about three hours of jury deliberation, THAXTON was found guilty of nine counts of dogfighting and seven counts of cruelty to animals.
Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced THAXTON to twenty (20) years in prison, with the first five years to be served behind bars.
THAXTON was ordered to pay $45,000 in fines and to serve 360 hours of mandatory community service. Additionally, according to the DA’s Office, THAXTON is forbidden from “owning”, “possessing”, or breeding dogs and may not have contact with any known dogfighters or people who attend dogfights.
It all started in November 2022, when Cherokee and Paulding County authorities received a tip about possible dogfighting activity.
The Cherokee County Marshals conducted a welfare check at a home on Union Hill Road in Canton and reported “signs that Thaxton was possibly involved in dog fighting.”
According to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, “Officers noticed that eight of his dogs were tethered outside with heavy logging chains commonly used by dog fighters. The dogs were chained close to each other but just out of reach, a tactic that serves to build dog aggression. These signs of dog fighting, along with additional investigation, led to the Marshal’s Office following up with a search warrant.”
A search warrant executed at the home on December 6, 2022, led to the discovery of items associated with dog fighting. Authorities found steroids, a break stick, medical supplies for treating wounds, a journal with animal workout regimens, documents linking dogs to other dog fighters, contracts for dog sales, and a dog fighting creed.
The DA’s Office said that the veterinarian who examined the Voiceless Victims “found that they had skin infections, rashes around their necks from their collars, and swollen paw pads.”
THAXTON was placed under arrest and all the furvictims were taken to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter where a pregnant dog gave birth to puppies soon afterward.
Animal Crimes Resource Prosecutor Jessica Rock said in a statement: “Dog fighters operate hidden in plain sight, in an organized, criminal enterprise that includes breeding and selling dogs, training dogs, hosting and spectating violent fights, and fighting dogs to the point of exhaustion or serious injury. It is a despicable activity that is incredibly cruel to the dogs. By prosecuting dog fighters, we bring this underground world to light, ensure that these dogs receive the justice they deserve, and work toward someday completely eradicating this crime.”
Assistant District Attorney Rachel Murphy said evidence suggested THAXTON may have been involved in dogfighting for decades.
Cherokee County District Attorney Susan Treadaway stated: “Let this be a clear message that Cherokee County will not accept or condone inhumane treatment of animals – especially the violence and abuse associated with dog fighting. It is time as a society that we step up and stop the abuse and mistreatment of innocent animals. Ordinary citizens can play a part in stopping the abuse of animals by recognizing signs of dog fighting and reporting concerns to law enforcement.”
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THAXTON’s mugshot via the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
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