GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man who was banned from owning dogs after he was charged with dogfighting in 2021 has been arrested again, Gaston County Police said.
Authorities with Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement responded to a vacant lot along Queens Road in Gastonia on Jan. 28 after receiving several tips from concerned residents.
The property owner, identified as Rico Pagan, was previously charged with animal cruelty and dogfighting in June 2021. Gaston County Police said Pagan is prohibited from owning dogs as a condition of his bond release on the earlier charges.
A total of five dogs were found on the Queens Road property. Authorities said all five dogs needed immediate medical attention.
All of the dogs have been taken to a local rescue organization that’s providing treatment.
Pagan was taken into custody and faces five additional counts of animal cruelty and dogfighting. He’s currently being held without bond at the Gaston County Jail.
