After an 11-month investigation into an alleged national dogfighting ring, the Pima County Sheriff's Department and The Humane Society of the United States raided four properties. Pima County Animal Care Center seized about 150 dogs, some bearing scars consistent with animal fighting. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona helped in the execution of the raid. Nine people were detained; three of the nine were arrested. Among the nine are two men alleged to be nationally recognized figures in the multi-million dollar world of criminal dogfighting.

"We applaud the Pima County Sheriff's Department for taking on this alleged dogfighting ring," said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The HSUS. "People who profit from the suffering of animals should pay a heavy price for their crimes."

"Dogfighting is a terribly inhumane and damaging activity that has no place in our community," said Dawn Henke, public information officer for the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

One of the properties housed what appeared to be a breeding kennel and had a trailer containing 50 guns. Also seized at the properties were tools commonly used in hard-core dogfighting operations. These include treadmills specifically modified to exercise the dogs to exhaustion, injectable substances and break sticks used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle.

"Since the Michael Vick case, the number of dogfighting busts has tripled nationwide," said Goodwin. "Here in Arizona, law enforcement agencies are taking a bite out of these cruel and degrading spectacles."

Here are some links to the latest from KOLD-TV (CBS) in Tucson, Arizona:

For the latest from the CBS affiliate in Tucson

Tucson Area Raids Target Dog Fighting Ring

Dogfight Suspect Speaks