THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The suspect in a 2015 case involving alleged dogfighting and animal cruelty has been indicted on a number of charges.

Following up on a complaint in early September, Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society animal control officers uncovered what appeared to be a dog-fighting operation on Stevens Street.

Animal control officers, responding to a report about animals at the location, found what appeared to be dog-fighting equipment and paraphernalia.

In addition to dogs and a cat, animal control and police officers found a treadmill and swim tank used in training fighting dogs at the 512 N. Stevens residence, home of Benji Jerome Branham. Branham was indicted on five counts of dogfighting, five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and for counts of cruelty to animals.

“When walking toward the rear of the house, they saw a white adult cat in a very small cage with no food, water or shelter,” Maj. Eric Hampton, Thomasville Police Department (TPD) public information officer, said in September.

Also found were several hypodermic syringes, sprays and other over-the-counter medical supplies used to treat dogs’ wounds, Hampton explained.

“They saw a freshly dug hole three feet deep suspected to be a future grave for an animal,” Hampton said last year.

The dogs and cat were transported to the Humane Society animal shelter.

“The dogs appeared aggressive,” Hampton explained.

Branham, 33, who gave his address as the North Stevens crime scene, arrived while police and animal control officers were at the scene and was taken into custody.

TPD Criminal Investigations Division officers executed a search warrant at the house, which Hampton said has no power and appears to be vacant. He said the suspect’s deceased father previously lived at the house.

A .22-caliber Benjamin Varmint rifle was found leaning against the house.

Branham was released from the Thomas County Jail in September on a $10,600 bond.

The dogs and cat confiscated at the suspect’s residence in September were taken to the Humane Society animal shelter.

“We’ve held them all this time, because they are evidence,” Ed Williams, animal shelter executive director, said Thursday.

When the case has been disposed of, it will be determined which dogs are adoptable. The cat also will be considered for adoption.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.