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.









