More than 100 badly treated dogs have been rescued and 23 arrests made after a major dog fighting ring was dismantled in Florida.

Six people have been charged with animal baiting, fighting, and conspiracy to gamble, while five others faced drug trafficking charges, following the joint operation of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

"We recovered more than 111 dogs that were used for dog fighting," St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway said during a news conference on Wednesday. He showed video of small kennels, treadmills, and other dogfighting paraphernalia that was seized.

The rescued dogs, despite their traumatic experiences, are described as friendly and are currently under the care of the local ASPCA, where they will be put up for adoption.

In August 2023, the St. Petersburg Police Department launched Operation Pedigree to investigate a dogfighting ring operating in Pinellas County and several surrounding counties. The investigation revealed a disturbing network of individuals involved in the bloodsport and its related gambling activities.

"We'd like to thank the multiple organizations that assisted with the care of the seized dogs, including Hillsborough Animal Control and the ASPCA," Chief Holloway added. "Their help has been invaluable in ensuring these animals get the care and second chance they deserve."

During the news conference, Holloway shared two contrasting pictures of a dog, taken a year apart. The 2023 before picture showed a sweet puppy the day it was adopted from a local shelter, and the after picture showed the same dog with horrific wounds after being used as a "bait dog" in fights.

"These dogs were kept in deplorable conditions and subjected to horrific treatment," Holloway said.

Operation Pedigree overlapped with another investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, "Operation Snow Cap," which targeted drug trafficking in the area.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed that the investigation uncovered connections between the drug trade and the dogfighting ring.

During the operation, deputies seized significant quantities of drugs, including 54 pounds of methamphetamine, 21 pounds of cocaine, 2 pounds of black tar heroin, 2 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of marijuana, along with three guns and $57,000 in cash.

Following the successful joint work of the authorities, Chief Holloway said: "You want to bring your drugs to Pinellas County, you want to sell here, it's just a matter of time and we have time on our side. We may not get you today, we may not get you tomorrow but sooner or later we're going to come knocking on your door."