FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WISH) — One person is behind bars, and almost two dozen animals are on their way to recovery after being rescued from a dogfighting ring operating in Fort Wayne on Tuesday afternoon.

The Fort Wayne Police Department says the investigation into the ring spanned almost six months.

Search warrants were issued at three different properties in Fort Wayne, resulting in the rescue of 22 dogs and puppies.

During the searches, Trevel Bell was arrested at a home on East Berry Street on preliminary charges of two counts of possessing an animal for fighting.

They were not listed as an inmate in the Allen County jail as of Wednesday.

Multiple agencies responded to assist with the dogs, including a team from the nonprofit Humane World for Animals. They described the animals’ living areas as filthy and sweltering due to the 110-degree heat index.

“On the first property, (investigators) found dogs panting in filthy hutches and cages. Despite the scorching heat, many of the dogs had no access to water, and several had significant scarring consistent with dogfighting,” the nonprofit wrote in a release. “Responders discovered a shed containing dogfighting paraphernalia, including two treadmills and a stand typically used in dogfighting operations to restrain dogs for breeding.”

At the second location, Humane World says dogs in heavy chains with varying degrees of injuries: several animals were suffering flystrike, or when flies lay eggs on an animal, and one female was “covered in scars and missing part of her lip.”

Blood spatter from the animals was found on the walls of this property’s basement.

Samantha Chapman, the Indiana director for Humane World for Animals, says despite the circumstances, the dogs were still eager for attention.

“Between the suffocating heat, filthy conditions, and bodies covered in scars—it’s incomprehensible. Yet these dogs still greeted us with wagging tails and hopeful eyes. We are deeply grateful to the Fort Wayne Police Department for intervening in this case and giving these dogs a chance at the lives they deserve.” 

Commenting on the arrest, Fort Wayne Police Chief Scott Caudill says the department will continue its commitment to “ensuring justice for those involved.”

“We are committed to ensuring justice for those involved and providing care for the animals recovered. I commend our team for their tireless efforts and thank our community partners, including animal welfare organizations, for their support. The Fort Wayne Police Department will continue to take decisive action against any form of animal cruelty to keep our city safe for all its residents—human and animals alike.” 

Officials haven’t said where the dogs were transported, but confirm they are safe and receiving much-needed care.

No other arrests have been announced.

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