Toney Ray Lawson, 66, of Gary, has been charged with 99 criminal counts after investigators allegedly discovered 39 pit bull-type dogs during a suspected animal fighting investigation at a residence in the 1000 block of Cass Street, according to court documents.

According to court documents, Gary Police responded to the residence on July 1 at the request of Gary Animal Control after Homeland Security agents executing a search warrant located approximately 39 pit bull-type dogs throughout the property. Investigators alleged many of the dogs appeared severely neglected and displayed injuries and physical characteristics consistent with organized dog fighting.

Court documents state Lawson told investigators he lived at the residence and cared for the dogs for a friend. Investigators reported Lawson consented to a search of the property and allowed law enforcement to examine his cellphone and tablet before he was taken into custody.

According to the affidavit, investigators encountered an overwhelming odor of ammonia throughout the residence caused by what they described as prolonged accumulation of canine urine and feces. Officers reported finding numerous pit bull-type dogs confined in stacked crates, restrained by heavy chains, or housed in makeshift enclosures throughout the home, basement, garage and yard.

Investigators also reported finding multiple modified canine treadmills, weighted vests, flirt poles, heavy restraint systems, a handmade conditioning pool, and other equipment they believed was used to train and condition dogs for organized fighting. Court documents further allege investigators observed red-brown staining in portions of the basement they believed was consistent with an area used for canine fighting or training.

According to court documents, many of the dogs displayed healed scars, facial disfigurement, fresh wounds, and injuries in various stages of healing. Several dogs were described as severely underweight, and investigators reported some outdoor dogs had no readily accessible food or water despite temperatures of approximately 93 degrees with 100 percent humidity.

Gary Animal Control removed all 39 dogs from the property for treatment and evaluation. According to the affidavit, officials reported every dog recovered exhibited scars, wounds, or injuries they believed were consistent with animal fighting.

Charges filed July 2, 2026:

Promoting an Animal Fighting Contest, Level 6 Felony (50 counts)

Purchasing an Animal for Use in a Fighting Contest, Level 6 Felony (39 counts)

Cruelty to an Animal, Class A Misdemeanor (9 counts)

Possession of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia, Class B Misdemeanor (1 count)