MACON, Ga. (AP) — Authorities say a middle Georgia sheriff's corrections deputy has been arrested in connection with a dog fighting operation and has been fired.

Bibb County sheriff's officials said in a release that Sheryl Denise Smith was arrested July 11 on charges of dog fighting and being a party to a crime.

Authorities say animal welfare officials called the sheriff's department to Smith's home for reports of injured dogs and investigators found evidence of dog fighting at the home, including materials used to train the animals. Officials say eight dogs were found at the house.

Authorities say two others, 28-year-old Felix Hughes Jr. and 33-year-old Bruce Davis, both of Macon, were also arrested on dog fighting charges.

Sheriff's officials say Smith is free on $5,700 bond and was fired on Monday.