CALL, Texas — The Newton County Sheriff’s Office sought and received judicial approval to seize the remaining dogs on a rural Call property tied to an alleged dogfighting operation as part of the ongoing “Operation Pitbull” investigation, but officials later discovered the animals had been removed by unknown individuals before placements could be secured, according to Sheriff Colton Havard.

Following the initial raid, the Sheriff’s Office submitted the required paperwork to a Newton County judge, who authorized deputies “to seize the dogs remaining on the property.” The agency immediately began contacting animal rescues and waiting to hear back from 501(c)(3) organizations that may have room to house the animals.

Sheriff Havard said he also reached out to State Rep. Trent Ashby’s offic

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