Gastonia man faces multiple animal cruelty, dog fighting charges

GASTONIA, N.C. — Five dogs were seized in an animal cruelty case in Gastonia, and the property owner, Rico Pagan, has been arrested.

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The Gaston County Police and Animal Care and Enforcement conducted an investigation on Jan. 28 at a vacant lot beside 531 Queens Road in Gastonia following multiple tips about dogs on the property. Pagan, who was previously charged with animal cruelty and dog fighting in June 2021, is prohibited from owning dogs as a condition of his bond release.

All five dogs found on the property needed immediate medical attention and have been taken in by a rescue organization for care and socialization. Pagan now faces five additional counts of animal cruelty and dog fighting, and he is being held without bond at the Gaston County Jail. His bond from the previous charges has also been revoked.

The rescue organization provides comprehensive treatment to the dogs, focusing on their medical and socialization needs.

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