The Union County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 41-year-old DREW GEER (pictured).
On December 10, 2025, the Union County Sheriff's Office along with the Clay County Sheriff's Office and additional agencies served a search warrant on two properties located on Northwest 71st Run and West County Road 18, both in Lake Butler, Union County.
Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead explained that the warrants were part of a multi-agency investigation into suspected dogfighting and animal cruelty at both residences.
With the assistance of Humane World for Animals, more than eighty (80) dogs and puppies were rescued and investigators found evidence of suspected dogfighting, including dog treadmills and an apparent fighting pit.
According to the press release by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the furvictims were found “in various conditions of mistreatment, covered in scars and in filthy conditions.”
Humane World for Animals said in their press release, “Throughout the properties, many of the dogs were on heavy chains with plastic barrels or makeshift structures as their only source of shelter, while others were found stepping in their feces in filthy outdoor hutches and pens. On one of the Union County properties, two young puppies were whimpering without their mother in an outdoor hutch.”
Veterinarians from the University of Florida Veterinary Forensics Sciences Laboratory also assisted on-scene.
The press release went on to say: “Humane World for Animals responders found numerous dogs who were covered in scars consistent with dogfighting on each property. Many of the dogs were underweight, some suffering from skin issues, sores or recent wounds. On the property in Clay County, a dog was missing his foot. Veterinarians determined he had apparently suffered a traumatic amputation which was not medically treated. Dogfighting paraphernalia was found on each of the properties, including treadmills and conditioning and breeding equipment.”
Kate MacFall, Florida state director for Humane World for Animals, said: “Their scars tell a heartbreaking story—the sadness and suffering these dogs have endured is unimaginable.”
As Human World for Animals explained, “Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and egregious suffering, including severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of dehydration, infection, blood loss, exhaustion or shock, hours or even days after the fight. The dogs used in organized dogfighting operations are specifically bred and conditioned for fighting, which is only the beginning of a lifecycle of abuse and mistreatment. Across the globe, Humane World for Animals has seen that these spectacles of cruelty have often been found to co-occur with other crimes related to weapons, violence, gambling and illegal drugs.”
GEER was charged on initial charges of felony drug possession and possession of firearm by convicted felon.
As this investigation continues, GEER and others will be charged further by Federal and/or local authorities on their connection to animal cruelty and their involvement in dogfighting.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office tells me that no animals were found deceased on the properties.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Union County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
GEER’s mugshot shared from the Union County Sheriff's Office
Pictures shared from Humane World for Animals. More pictures and videos related to the rescue are available on their Facebook page.
For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!
