DeLand

TAVARES, Fla.—A suspected dog fighter arrested last month has lost ownership of the 29 dogs taken from him during a search at his home in east Lake County, after a Lake County judge granted an injunction Thursday, filed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Jason Biggers, 48, is facing 29 counts of animal cruelty and 29 counts baiting and fighting animals after a search warrant at his home in the DeLand area of Lake County by the Lake County Sheriff’s office Agriculture and Marine Unit July 23.

Deputies arrived at the home at 31938 3^rd Avenue in the DeLand area of Lake County shortly after 4:45 a.m. and found 29 dogs chained up and in kennels, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The majority of them had scarring consistent with dog fighting and were in various stages of healing, she said. The dogs have been held at the Lake County Animal Shelter since they were seized and Judge Carla Pepperman’s order gives LCAS custody of the dogs that range in age from puppies to 8 years old.

According to Pepperman’s order, after being examined, the dogs were found with ”healed and active wounds consistent with organized fighting, dental alterations consistent with bait dog use, environmental and hygienic neglect, flea infestation, lymph node reactivity, as well as overheating and elevated body temperatures. The maladies were attributed to chronic environmental neglect, prolonged exposure to unsanitary and inhumane living conditions, intentional trauma consistent with organized dog fighting, and systematic physical alterations (dental) consistent with baiting practices.”

Pepperman stated, “(Biggers) failed to meet his burden to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he is able and fit to have custody of and adequately provide for the Dogs. Indeed, besides (Biggers’) self-serving testimony,(Biggers) called no witnesses and presented no evidence.”

Along with the dog-related charges, Biggers, 48, is facing a tampering with evidence charge and a charge of possession of marijuana more than 20 grams; he is being held at the Lake County Jail on $150,000 bond. 

“Despite what these dogs may have endured, they have warmly received affection and are largely in good spirits,” LCAS said in a social media post last month.

You can support these pups by donating treats, toys, or peanut butter via LCAS’ Amazon Wish List at https://ow.ly/nZ2x50VPtCr or by dropping off supplies at the shelter. For more information on fostering or adopting, visit: https://lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter

Previous story: Suspected dog fighter arrested; 29 dogs found at east Lake County home – Inside Lake

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misstated Jason Biggers’ bond and did not list two charges because he had not completed the booking process. The story has been updated with the correct information. 

DeLAND, Fla.—A suspected dog fighter has been arrested and is facing 29 counts of animal cruelty and 29 counts baiting and fighting animals following the execution of search warrant by the Lake County Sheriff’s office Agriculture and Marine Unit early Wednesday morning.

Deputies arrived at the home at 31938 3^rd Avenue in the DeLand area of Lake County shortly after 4:45 a.m. and found 29 dogs chained up and in kennels, LCSO Deputy Stephanie Earley told Inside Lake. The dogs ranged in age from puppies to elderly dogs, and the majority of them had scarring consistent with dog fighting and were in various stages of healing, she said. The dogs are being held at the Lake County Animal Shelter.

Jason Biggers, 48, was arrested and transported to Lake County Jail, where he is being held on $150,000. He is also facing a tampering with evidence charge and possession of marijuana more than 20 grams. Deputies are asking anyone with information on Biggers’ activities to call them at 352-343-2101 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Crimeline callers may be eligible for a reward.