EDGECOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — Edgecombe County deputies recently found dozens of dead and badly injured dogs at an alleged dogfighting training camp. They believe the bust will cripple dogfighting rings in several counties.

Investigators went to a home off Highway 43 looking for stolen property. Instead, they found drugs, guns and a large kennel crowded with dogs. Authorities also found a large canine grave behind the kennel.

Authorities arrested Joseph Hussey, Troy Murphy, Roy Tillery and Melanie Waring. They believe the suspects were training the dogs before shipping them off to fight in rings in several surrounding counties.

Sharon Godfrey said she had no idea the activity was happening just down the street, but she is glad it has been stopped. As a dog owner, she said the whole thing is heartbreaking.

"I've got a little dog and I sure don't want them up here destroying him or bothering me," she said. "I think it was very, very unfair to the animal."

Investigators said three people tried to break into the Edgecombe County animal shelter Monday night to steal the dogs for themselves. Deputies are now guarding the shelter.

Deputies brought more than 30 dogs, most in bad shape, to the Edgecombe County Animal Shelter. Officials said most of the dogs will have to be euthanized because they are too aggressive.