50 dogs taken, 3 charged in Tennessee pit bull raid

photo Sevier County Sheriff's deputies escort Kimberley L. Heatherly, 45, and Jacob R. Heatherly, 23, to a patrol car after authorities have removed dozens of pit bulls from a breeding operation in Kodak, about 10 miles north of Sevierville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014.

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - East Tennessee authorities have removed dozens of pit bulls from a breeding operation and arrested three people on dog fighting charges.

The Mountain Press in Sevierville says officials arrived at the home about 10 miles north of Sevierville early Tuesday and arrested Mark Heatherly, 45-year-old Kimberly L. Heatherly and 23-year-old Jacob R. Heatherly.

Investigators told the newspaper that Mark Heatherly protested that he didn't train or fight dogs, only bred them. Officials said he was selling them online.

The Knoxville News Sentinel said 47-year-old Mark Heatherly was charged with two counts of dog fighting while his wife and son were charged with conspiracy to commit dog fighting. All three were also charged with possession of marijuana and hydrocodone.

The Mountain Press said 50 dogs were taken from the home, some needing medical treatment.

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