A Monroe County man is facing multiple charges after a task force raided a reported dog fighting ring in the Bermuda community, Monroe County Sheriff Tom Boatwright said Tuesday.

Monroe County deputies assigned to the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a warrant on the compound on Mixon Road after an extensive investigation, Boatwright said.

Officers found a dog fighting arena and collected other evidence.

Some 38 dogs were located at the residence and surrounding property and transported to the Monroe County Animal Shelter for treatment by veterinarians.

Gecoby Penn was taken into custody, charged with 13 counts of dog fighting and two counts of animal cruelty, with Boatwright saying additional charges are expected.

The task force was aided by the Alabama 35th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, federal probation officers, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Monroe County Animal Shelter is seeking donations to assist in caring for the dogs rescued in the raid. Residents can bring food and other supplies to the shelter at 2265 Highway 47 south in Monroeville, or cash donations can be made via PayPal to [email protected].