Pit bulls seized, Wendell man charged with dog fighting

James Edward Harris, 48, of 4 Olde Tavern Drive, is charged with 14 counts of dog fighting and 14 counts of cruelty to animals.

Wendell police and Wake County Animal Control officers searched Harris' home Tuesday after receiving reports of an unusual odor at the home.

"We heard a lot of barking, sometimes late at night, and there was a smell. There was a bad smell," neighbor Roger Brantley said.

During their search, officers found pit bulls both inside and outside the home.

Fourteen pit bulls were seized, and Wendell police said numerous items associated with dog fighting were found in the home.

"From what I hear they were dog fighting, so that was kind of a concern," Brantley said. "And the condition of the dogs when they were brining them outside was terrible."

The pit bulls were taken to the Wake County Animal Shelter. The prosecutor told the judge that at least two of the dogs had fresh wounds consistent with other signs of dog fighting.

Harris was also charged with one count driving with a revoked license. He was being held in Wake County jail under a $1M secured bond.