Nashville Man formally charged in dog fighting ring

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)- A man accused of being involved in a dog fighting ring in Nashville has formally been charged after 31 dogs were taken from a home.

James Burgess was arrested back on March 9 but was officially charged Thursday with animal fighting and aggravated animal cruelty.

He was already being held on drug charges.

21 pit bulls, including 10 puppies, were taken from a home on Rowan Drive and are now being cared for by Metro Animal Control.

News Channel 5 in Nashville reports many of the dogs had heavy chains attached to their collars, and most had visible scarring and injuries to their faces and bodies.

At the scene officers also found steroids, wound ointment, antibiotics and syringes.

Police said the training tools that were found at the home indicated they were not legitimate animal breeders.

Three additional suspects have also been accused in the ring.

*Photo via WTVF