Large Texas dogfighting ring broken up

HOUSTON (AP) - Texas authorities broke up what they are calling one of the largest dogfighting rings in the country and seized at least 168 animals. Investigators arrested eight people, including a school teacher, and
filed charges against four dozen more in the gambling-related cases. Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Lisa Block said dogfighting is not entertainment, it is a crime.

The ring spanned five counties: Matagorda, Tyler, Jasper, Montgomery and Harris, and involved dog fights with as many as 100 spectators at a time who bet on the contests. DPS said more than 40 suspects are still sought. Harris County Assistant District Attorney Belinda Smith said the charges
are engaging in dog fighting, a felony. Drug and gambling-related charges are pending.

Among those arrested was 37-year-old Jay Andrews, who is an English teacher in the Aldine Independent School District in Houston. He was arrested at school. A district spokeswoman said Andrews will be reassigned to duties outside the classroom until the criminal investigation is over.