Charvez Francisco, arrested on animal cruelty charges after dozens of dogs and roosters were found chained up near wildfire.-
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MOORESBURG (WATE) - Firefighters battling a large wildfire in Hawkins County uncovered what they believe may be a dog fighting operation. A Knoxville man has been arrested.
Charvez Francisco is facing animal cruelty and animal fighting charges in the case.
The flames began in Mooresburg, near Short Hill.
Hawkins County deputies said when crews were fighting the flames Saturday night, they discovered about 20 dogs and 20 roosters chained up near the fire.
All the animals were rescued.
Investigators said they believe dog fighting was involved because of bite marks and wounds on the animals.
