- North Carolina, USA -
The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 46-years-old CLAUDE ANTHONY SANDERS JR (pictured).
In a media release, the sheriff’s office said that an investigation into SANDERS began after authorities identified him as “a key figure in the training, distributing, and arranging of dog fights in North Carolina, South Carolina, and other states.”
The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant on February 1, 2024, at a property on 196 Whitney Lane in Statesville.
Members of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Criminal Investigations Division, along with members of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response (SERT) Team found many dogs who were being kept in deplorable conditions.
According to the media release, “A large number of the dogs were kept in outside kennels, and most of these were covered in feces and urine. Several of the dogs had obvious scars and facial injuries from previous dog fights. There were also signs of forced breeding and various exercise equipment to develop strength and stamina, which aid in dog fighting.”
In addition to numerous items used to train dogs to fight, medication and treatment supplies for injured dogs, the search led to the discovery of marijuana and a handgun.
Investigators removed twenty-five (25) dogs from the hellish property.
SANDERS was placed under arrest and booked into the Iredell County Detention Center on twenty-four felony counts of cruelty to animals as well as Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana.
SANDERS was then taken before Magistrate M. Nethken who issued a $200,000 secured bond.
Online records show SANDERS bonded out!
I have emailed the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about the dogs and the good news is that “No dogs were found deceased on the property” and “No dogs have been euthanized.”
Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the official press release by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office provided to Voice For Us.
Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
SANDERS’ mugshot shared from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
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