A Natchez man is behind bars for his role in a dog fighting operation

NATCHEZ, MS (Mississippi News Now) - A Natchez man is behind bars for his role in a dogfighting operation. Charoyd Bell was arrested and charged with felony cruelty to animals.

"Those dogs could have easily died," said Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten.

Sheriff Patten says 14 pit bulls and one hound dog were in Charoyd Bell's possession when he was arrested. The sheriff and his team admit they were in bad shape from dog fighting.

"It was very sad," said Deputy Karen Ewing. "They were in pain, several of them, their ears were not cut by a vet, but cut. They were in a lot of pain."

Deputies say they got a tip Thursday there was dog fighting at this house. When they arrived they heard yelping from the nearby bayou.

"Once they got off in the bayou here they found two young men, one was sitting and one was holding the pit bull ready to allow the dog to launch, and the other one tied to the tree. The young man holding the pit bull was Bell," said Patten.

This is not the first time Bell has been arrested. He made headlines in 2016 for animal cruelty and posting pictures of it on social media.

"I hope this is a strong message to others in this county," added Patten. "Today, it was that young man's day, tomorrow it may be yours and we are not going to stop as long as you don't stop. I suggest you quit fighting dogs."

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