Lehigh Acres father and son arrested in connection to dogfighting; 16 dogs rescued

A father and son have been arrested for running alleged dogfighting in Lehigh Acres.

According to Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Anthony Pew Sr. and Anthony Pew Jr. face charges of dogfighting and baiting.

After receiving a tip, deputies investigated a home on W 9th Street. There they found multiple dogs with extensive injuries, with signs of possible dogfighting.

Marceno said the investigation led deputies to another home where more dogs were found.

Pieces of equipment were found in the homes detectives say were consistent with use in dogfighting, such as treadmills used to build muscles.

Marceno said 16 dogs were removed from both scenes. He said many of the dogs were in bad shape, however, none were found deceased. Sone of the animals removed included pigs and chickens.

The dogs are being treated at the local humane society.

The sheriff added they are looking into other people and other homes that may be involved.

All 16 dogs that were taken from the two Lehigh Acres homes have been checked out by the veterinarians at Lee County Domestic Animal Services. The sheriff said several of the dogs need constant medical care because of their injuries.