Charges dismissed in dog fighting case
by the Cherokee Tribune staff
October 02, 2010 12:00 AM | 2605 views | 7 7 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Charges against a Union Hill man accused of raising pit bulls for dog fighting have been dismissed.

Randall Thaxton, 46, was arrested in October 2008 by the Cherokee Sheriff's Office after a two-week joint investigation in Cherokee and Gilmer counties.

He was arrested on seven counts of felony dog fighting, 10 counts of animal cruelty and one count of possession of marijuana.

Investigators at the time of his arrest said dogs found at Thaxton's home had scars and other injuries that appeared to be the result of dog fighting.

Ten dogs were seized as was a treadmill designed for dogs and breeding equipment.

Thaxton's family denied his involvement in dog fighting, contending the pit bulls were raised for dog shows.

In January, Thaxton was indicted by the Cherokee County grand jury on only the animal cruelty and drug charges.

According to the indictment, Thaxton caused "unjustifiable physical pain" to American pit bull terriers. The juvenile dogs were found on collars and chains weighing between 4.6 and 8.8 pounds.

District Attorney Garry Moss at the time of the indictment said he would not pursue the dog fighting charges.

Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Frank C. Mills III dismissed the charges, according to the district attorney's office on Friday. An official order in the case has not yet been released.

Assistant District Attorney Patricia Hull declined to comment on the case.

Mills and attorneys for Thaxton didn't return calls for comment by press time.

Following his arrest and the seizure and euthanization of his dogs, Thaxton filed a lawsuit against the county government, which is pending.
Comments
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pet lover
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October 10, 2010
more evidence of a system out to take people's pet then try to make a case later. it does get these "humane" organizations millions of dollars. good job to thaxton for fighting back and not letting them get away with it this time!

Strakatz
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October 07, 2010
This is an abomination. The dog fighting charges were dropped before trial. His dogs were "rescued" only to be KILLED by their rescuers. I hope the defendant rips this county and town a new one in the upcoming lawsuit. I don't understand thew reasoning behind this kind of travesty yet it happens all to often. The Vick dogs proved that even fighting dogs make good family pets and these weren't fighting dogs. May this whole area rot in hell.
bullyowner
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October 04, 2010
It makes me sick to see this devil get off..People who make a living off the blood,sweat,and tears of these amazing animals...they are too lazy to make an honest living...they breed and fight these animals...what kind of person could sit in that house stuffing himself with food while their "pets" are outside starving..chained to god knows what. Give me his address..my bully will get revenge for those dogs:)))
Linda80398
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October 03, 2010
Let's hope the investigation will continue. He's not the only person in Cherokee County treating dogs like this. Go after all of them, please, law enforcement. We love our dogs and treat them like family as most dog owners do but those few, like this man, mistreat their animals and the animals end up with the bad reputation. Personally, I hope there's a special place in Hell for people like this. A Michael Vick wannabe. And that pretty much says it all.
xxxxxxxx
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October 02, 2010
This guy was found guilty of having dogs on chains.Thats it? And in order to save said dogs from this horrible life they killed them.I do not see any justice in this at all.I hope he wins his lawsuit.
whattrash
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October 02, 2010
I find it absolutely revolting that this no class citizen has the gall to file a lawsuit against the county. Like he should have any rights after depriving these animals of a meaningful life! I cannot stand trash like this and I hope that his suit gets dismissed. Hopefully, justice will prevail and the law will eventually catch up to him.
Against Cruelty
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October 02, 2010
Dismissing the charges against this guy is a crock. He should never be allowed to have another dog or animal of any kind. I drive by that place all the time and don't think it is fit for dogs.
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