Tripp said one dog was on the porch and one was inside when the Hazardous Entry and Arrest Team assisted task force agents in serving a warrant to Toby Antonio Garrett just after 4:45 a.m.

The dog on the porch and the dog inside were shot, the sheriff said. Six other pit bulls were outside the residence and left at the scene.

“We regretfully had to engage drug dealers who intentionally placed dogs in strategic locations which made contact inevitable,” Tripp said in a statement. “Drug dealers know when they sell drugs we are not far behind, and yet they put their own dogs and law enforcement in harm's way. There should be laws against anyone doing this. As an animal lover, I find this practice sickening.”

The arrest of Garrett was the result of a citizen complaints about drug activity at the residence and several months of investigation by task force Captain A.M. Harris.

During the search of the residence agents seized Oxycodone pills, cocaine, marijuana, a handgun and several items of drug paraphernalia which included a box of plastic bags and a digital scale.

Tripp declined to comment on Garrett's level in the area drug trade. “We take all drug dealers seriously.”

Harris arrested and charged Garrett with simple possession of schedule II controlled substance, possess marijuana paraphernalia, felony possession of cocaine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, possession of marijuana up to a half-ounce and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Garrett received a $40,000 secured bond with a December 16 court date.

Tripp said the task force will continue to follow up on all reported drug complaints and encourages citizens to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 to report any drug activity or log on to www.halifaxsheriff.com.