Animal fighting is not a sport it is cruelty of the worse kind. These animals have no life after fighting because most are not adoptable after these cowards are caught and the animals are saved or are they? We need tougher laws to protect them.
Very good news He got 15 years !!!! Williams is the only one convicted so far.
VA Dog Fighter, NYC Cat Owner Face Consequences of Animal Cruelty
January 27, 2012
The ASPCA is celebrating two more courtroom victories in our fight against cruelty.
Last April, the ASPCA participated in a raid of a property in Halifax, Virginia. The dogs, many of them used for fighting, were chained up and neglected. This month, their abuser finally faced the consequences for his actions.
Williams on the left then Adams then Thaxton
On January 19, Jonathan Kennard Williams, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for charges related to dog fighting, weapons possession and drugs. Williams pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell dogs with the intent for fighting, as well as several counts of distributing drugs and weapons possession. He was also sentenced to six years’ probation after his release from prison.
“Thanks to the diligence of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the local agencies, Williams was held accountable for exploiting these innocent animals,” says ASPCA Animal Fighting Specialist Terry Mills.
After three months of intensive care, Leo made a full recovery. He’s now living it up with a family from New Jersey—and his former owner now has a criminal record.
On January 18, Queens resident Davanand Raghunath, 28, was convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty and sentenced to three years’ probation. Raghunath was also barred from owning an animal for three years.
“We can only hope this experience was sufficiently sobering for Mr. Raghunath,” says Stacy Wolf, Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel of the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department.
Want to see more victories like these? The ASPCA is committed to helping bring animal abusers to justice all over the country, but we can’t do it without you. If you suspect cruelty in your area, visit our Report Animal Cruelty section to learn more and find out how you can help.
Dog-fighting - training/breeding facility raided Dayton, OH (US)
Incident Date: Thursday, Apr 7, 2011
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Michelle Orrender
The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office this week approved criminal charges against a Dayton woman who allegedly ran a dogfighting training and breeding operation out of a home in the city. Prosecutors have authorized charging Michelle Orrender, 35, with felony counts of dogfighting and possession of criminal tools, and a misdemeanor count of cruelty to a companion animal. On April 7, Dayton police served a search warrant on a home on the 2100 block of Litchfield Avenue after receiving a tip that it was the site of a dogfighting enterprise, according to authorities. Detectives found 18 dogs at the home, including 17 pit bulls, some of which had been injured or had their ears cut with scissors, according to a police report. Police found also a treadmill with pawprints on it, blood spatters on the walls, a parting stick, chewed tires, medications and syringes and an arena in the basement
Case Update
Apr 7, 2011 - Dayton, OH (US)
Sentence: Michelle Orrender sentenced to 18 months in prison. Orrender will also have to pay the Animal Resource Center for the cost of euthanizing the dogs. Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Michael L. Tucker told Orrender she cannot own a dog in Montgomery County. ... more...
Read more: Animal Abuse: Dog-fighting - training/breeding facility raided - Dayton, OH | Pet-Abuse.Com Animal Cruelty Database http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/18247/#UPDATES#ixzz1j2EIq8Kt
Two Men Sentenced After Georgia Dog Fighting Raid Finely After A year....
Following a three-day trial, Derrick Montez Daniels 
and Billy
Taylor Jr. 
were each convicted of 26 counts of misdemeanor animal
cruelty. Daniels, the dogs’ owner, was sentenced to five years in state
prison and five years of probation, while Taylor, who lived on the
property and was the dogs’ caretaker, was sentenced to one year in
county jail and nine years of probation. “The defendants were held accountable for the pain and suffering
they caused these innocent animals,” says Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior
Director of Field Investigations and Response and leader of the February
rescue operation.
When the ASPCA arrived at the scene of the dog fighting raid, we found dogs tethered outdoors with heavy chains, shivering in the freezing cold. All were emaciated and showed signs of severe neglect and untreated injuries, including broken bones, open wounds and infections. The responders also found the bodies of 27 dogs in various stages of decomposition. “These dogs were not only starved of food and affection, but used to breed and fight each other to the death," says Rickey. "It's encouraging to start off the year with two successful animal cruelty convictions and send a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated.”
Or read Pet Abuse website: http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/16219/GA/US/
Dog-fighting - 17 dogs seized Ypsilanti, MI (US)
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Ricky Lee Lynch
An Ypsilanti Township man convicted of harboring and training dogs for
fighting pleaded guilty to violating his probation, court records show. Ricky Lee Lynch Jr. admitted to not paying all of the $15,000 in fines
or performing the 500 hours of community service ordered by Washtenaw
Circuit Judge David Swartz in March 2008. He pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal dog fighting earlier that
year in a case developed by investigators with the Humane Society of
Huron Valley who received a tip about abused dogs. Authorities found 17 pit bulls on his property, and many had wounds and
scars consistent with dog fighting. They also found veterinary supplies,
fight logs and video equipment. More severe charges were dismissed as
part of the deal. Lynch was sentenced in 2008 to serve five years of probation and $15,000 in fines. Swartz recently ordered Lynch, 29, to pay $2,000 and an additional $475
per month until he completes the terms of the initial sentence,
officials said. He must also complete 20 hours of community service per
month during the remainder of his probation. Update posted on Jul 21, 2010
Original Case:
Seventeen pit bulls police say were used in a dogfighting operation out of Washtenaw County were put down after a Humane Society declared them a public danger, officials said. "They were all trained to fight and bred to fight," Tanya Hildgendorf, executive director of the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, said Thursday. "They were not deemed safe animals to be adopted. They were all a danger to society." The humane society euthanized the dogs on June 20, five days after they were seized in a raid of a 26-year-old Ypsilanti Township man's home, the Detroit Free Press reported. Ricky L. Lynch is charged with five counts of animal fighting, a felony count of possessing animal-fighting equipment, and a misdemeanor charge of performing animal medical treatment without a veterinary license. Lynch's lawyer, Arthur Brand of Lincoln Park, said his client plans to fight the charges.
"He doesn't fight dogs and he doesn't train dogs for fighting," Brand said.
Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dog-fighting - 17 dogs seized - Ypsilanti, MI (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/11649/MI/US/#ixzz1AZvzM3Qd
I'm happy to report this jerk was sentenced finally.
Deputy Charged with Dogfighting, Animal Cruelty – VIDEO
A
Richmond deputy, Corporal David Robinson, who works at the Richmond
City Jail is facing charges of animal cruelty and dog fighting after 22
pitbulls along with dog fighting paraphernalia were seized from his home
last week.
Authorities became involved after one of the dogs that was kept in
the fenced in yard broke loose from its chain and began fighting with
other dogs. Four dogs were injured and one was killed. Aside from the dogs, police also seized a portable dog ring, a
pulling sled and harness, wooden breaker bars, and a bag with medical
equipment, drugs, a computer and weapons.
He plead guilty to 4 counts of dogfighting and 8 counts of Animal Cruelty and was sentenced to 14 months in jail for keeping more than 20 pit bulls inside his home. He could’ve gotten up to 28 years for the crimes but the judge suspended 18 years and 10 months. In addition to the time Robinson serves, prosecutors also say he’ll have to pay $7,000 dollars in restitution to cover veterinary bills and impound expenses. Robinson could ask the judge to serve his sentence through home incarceration after 4 months in jail. Hopefully not !!!!!
http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/justice-round-up-7-6-10
Update: Tant's parole hearing postponed in South Carolina.
Animal activists to argue that dog breeder should stay behind bars.
By Schuyler Kropf
The parole hearing for David Tant, identified as on one of the
nation’s most notorious dog breeders, has been postponed from its
scheduled Wednesday date. Tant’s attorney sought the postponement. The new date will be
announced later by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon
Services, with at least 30 days notice. Tant, 63, formerly of the Charleston area South Carolina, pleaded guilty in November
2004 to more than 40 counts of illegally breeding fighting dogs, and
one assault count connected to a surveyor who was wounded by a booby
trap after he wandered onto Tant’s property in southern Charleston
County. The surveyor was showered by an explosion of birdshot, injuring him
slightly. The device was described as a "directional mine" meant to ward
off intruders. Months later, Tant was sentenced to 40 years behind bars, though that
time was later reduced to around 30 years after he paid partial
restitution. This is his first bid for parole after serving six years
behind bars. After Tant’s arrest, authorities discovered a variety of implements
used in the underground dog-fighting trade connected to Tant, including
caged treadmills, cattle prods, harnesses, a bear trap, homemade gun
silencers, dog-fighting magazines and remnants of a dog-fighting ring.Authorities also seized 47 dogs, many which showed signs of scarring
and abuse. Tant is currently housed at the MacDougall Correctional Institution,
near Ridgeville in Dorchester County. Attorney General Henry McMaster and numerous local animal activists
had planned to attend the hearing to argue why they believe Tant,
formerly of Charleston, should stay locked up. Based on his level of involvement, "I think it appears he could jump
right back in the dog-fighting arena," said Charles Karesh of the
Charleston Animal Society and also a member of the state's
anti-dog-fighting task force. A phone call to Tant's lawyer was not
returned. He could still opt to waive requesting parole or seek a
delay. The groups opposed to Tant's release plan to present thousands of
petition signatures to the state parole board.
To read more: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/14/breeder-of-fighting-dogs-seeks-parole/
Prison term issued in drug case and animal cruelty.
The second defendant facing dog-fighting charges pleaded guilty to a drug charge Wednesday, but Victoria Louise McKenna maintained that she did not know about any dog-fighting activities.
McKenna, 29, was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday morning after she pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to deliver marijuana as the result of a plea agreement between the prosecution and the defense. McKenna was arrested March 17 along with Cody Hufeld, 32, and Charles Dylan Newquist, 28, both of Corvallis, as part of a drug investigation by the Street Crimes Unit. About 13 pounds of packaged marijuana were found at McKenna's Corvallis residence. The next day, after questioning those arrested, law enforcement searched property at 19365 South Fork Road near Alsea. They found 15 injured and neglected pit bulls chained to stakes in the ground. The bodies of three other pitbulls buried on the property. Some of the wounds were consistent with dog fighting, and the Benton County Sheriff's Office began investigating whether the animals had been part of a dog-fighting enterprise. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states.
The search warrant for the drug investigation turned up dog-fighting publications and bookkeeping records that indicated dogs were being trained or fought, Simpson said. That information was enough to get a warrant for the Alsea property. McKenna's attorney, Clark Willes, said his client admitted being involved with the marijuana sales but knew nothing of dog fighting. She went to North Carolina and brought back a dog for breeding. "She had no idea there would be a possibility of dog fighting," Willes said.
McKenna acted in an "aiding and abetting" role with regard to the dog fighting, noting she was on the lease of the Alsea property. She also went to North Carolina to purchase a pit bull from Ed Faron, known as the "godfather of dog fighting."McKenna did not speak in court.
On May 28, Hufeld was sentenced to 41 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy to deliver marijuana and no contest to dog fighting. He maintained that he just wanted to breed the dogs for sale.
To read more: http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/article_ca503db4-7466-11df-910d-001cc4c03286.html
Dog-fighting - 5 dogs seized Lynchburg, VA (US)
Source: Roanoke.com - June 2, 2010
Defendant/Suspect: William Travis Williams
Incident Date: Saturday, Sep 19, 2009
County: Bedford
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Upcoming Court Dates: Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010: Sentencing
The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office says its officers have arrested a
North Carolina man on dog fighting charges, after an undercover
investigation. Investigators tell us they seized five pit-bull dogs in cages from the
Best Western Motel in Bedford on Sunday, September 19th. Deputies
believe the dogs were brought to Virginia for dog fights in Central
Virginia and West Virginia. Among the dogs seized were “Rowdy,“ who
investigators describe as a two-time champion, and his girlfriend
“Mercedes.“ Officers arrested 25-year-old William Travis Williams, from Marshal,
N.C., after deputies say Williams received $6,500 for transporting and
selling the five dogs to undercover agents. The agents were disguised as
“dog fight coordinators” from Central Virginia, according to the
Sheriff’s Office. Williams is charged under a new felony law that makes it illegal to
transport, own, train, or sell animals in Virginia for the purpose of
fighting with another animal.
Case Update:
A North Carolina man who sold five pit bulls to a Bedford County
investigator during an undercover sting pleaded guilty Thursday to
promoting dogfighting. Some of the dogs bore signs of wounds from previous fights, according to
prosecutors. William Williams, 25, of Marshall, N.C., faces up to five years in
prison and a fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced Aug. 31. In Bedford County Circuit Court on Thursday, Assistant Commonwealth's
Attorney Mark Robinette said investigators snared Williams during an
investigation into dogfighting when an informant told them he had seen
an ad for fighting dogs posted on an online message board. An investigator had several phone conversations with Williams, who had
apparently posted the ad, to arrange the purchase of the pit bulls --
one of which Williams said had won two matches, Robinette told Circuit
Court Judge James Updike. When the officer gave Williams the agreed-upon $6,500 for the dogs,
other officers moved in and arrested Williams. He is free on bond while he awaits sentencing. The dogs were turned over
to the Bedford County Animal Shelter.
Source: Roanoke.com - June 2, 2010
Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Dog-fighting - 5
dogs seized - Lynchburg, VA (US)
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15810/VA/US/#ixzz0q5qOACms
Six Men Charged with Cockfighting in Spartanburg County Cockfighting Arrest Six men charged with cockfighting in South Carolina.
The six were part of a cockfighting operation in Swansea that was
uncovered and investigated by state agents from May 2008 to April 2009.
At the week-long trial, prosecutors showed videos of the illegal
cockfighting, animal abuse, and gambling taken by undercover officers
who attended the fights.
http://www2.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/six_men_charged_with_cockfighting_in_spartanburg_county1/29390/
Case update:
News - South Carolina & Regional - Wire
Saturday, May. 08, 2010
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Convicted of multiple counts of conspiracy, operating an unlawful animal fighting venture, and participating in an illegal gambling business were Nancy Elizabeth Dyal, age 52, of North, Sheri M. Hutto, age 48, and Wayne Hugh Hutto, age 60, both of Pelion, and James Morrow Collins, Jr., age 53, of Duncan. Convicted of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act and participating in an unlawful animal fighting venture were Leslie Wayne Peeler, age 41, of Gaffney, and Scott Edward Lawson, age 41, of Laurens. The six were part of a cockfighting operation in Swansea that was uncovered and investigated by state agents from May 2008 to April 2009. At the week-long trial, prosecutors showed videos of the illegal cockfighting, animal abuse, and gambling taken by undercover officers who attended the fights. Testimony in the case was given by others who have already admitted their involvement and pled guilty in the case. A total of 22 people have been convicted in federal court, with the other 16 having pled guilty earlier.
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2010/may/07/six-cockfighters-convicted-after-week-long-trial-ar-152615/
See the faces of this men below:
Dog Fighting Ring Bust at Home Day Care Center.
From Left to right: Lance Webb, Charles Sutton and Martez Anderson.
Thursday, September 24th, 2009 By Admin - Deanna
A home day care center at 2101 S. Third Ave in Maywood, IL, was the scene of a gruesome dogfighting ring bust yesterday. Scarred, injured dogs and puppies, equipment, and a bloody garage were found. Three men were arrested and charged, Charles Sutton, 42, and Lance Webb, 27, both of Maywood, were charged with felony dogfighting and Martez Anderson, 38, of Maywood, who kept the fighting dogs at his house, was charged with being a felon in possession of an unsprayed or unneutered dog, a misdemeanor. Three homes were raided, one being the day care where 10 children were being cared for. In a garage behind the house, not far from where the children played, an aggressive pitbull was chained, the garage walls and floor spattered with blood, equipment including syringes, medication, break sticks and harnesses were found. The dog that was chained up there was in pathetic shape, his chest “shredded” and his penis almost completely bitten off. “Kids were playing on a swing set just 10 feet away from a vicious fighting dog and blood-stained floors,” Sheriff Tom Dart said.
In
a nearby house, 2025 S. Sixth Ave., rented by ex-convict, Martez
Anderson, was where the dogs were kept. Anderson charged about $60 a
month to house the dog. At that residence they found a female pitbull
with three four-month-old puppies. It looked as if the puppies had
already been in fights, perhaps used as bait. One of them was already
scarred and had an eye ripped out. They were kept in urine soaked wire
cages, no food or water and were all severely emaciated. Another dog
was found in a shed behind the garage, severely scarred, it’s leg
broken so badly that it was twisted around backwards and another dog in
a crate behind the shed in such bad shape it could barely stand. In yet another house at 2027, right next
to the ex-con’s house, they found more dogfight training equipment and
yet another malnourished puppy. “All of the dogs that we got yesterday were in horrific condition,”
Sheriff Tom Dart said while cuddling a puppy taken during the raid.
“The people who work on this have done this for years as you know and
this is as bad as we’ve seen the animals.”Sutton's wife, who ran the licensed daycare, of course denied any
involvement and said the children were never around any of the dogs or
equipment. By late Wednesday thought, she did surrender her license and
close the day care.“This day care home operator complied with our request today to
surrender her license with cause,” Kendall Marlowe, DCFS spokesman
said. “This day care home is now closed, and we will monitor the home
going forward to ensure that it does not reopen.
Read more: http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/dogfighting-ring-bust-at-home-day-care-center-video
Charges Upgraded for One Suspect in IL Dogfighting Ring
When I first did the story about the dogfighting ring that was uncovered at a home day care center in Maywood, IL,
I was surprised that one of the suspects was only charged with a
misdemeanor. Martez Anderson, 38, who kept the fighting dogs at his
house, was charged with being a felon in possession of an unsprayed or
unneutered dog, a misdemeanor. The other two suspects, Charles Sutton,
42, and Lance Webb, 27, both of Maywood, were charged with felony
dogfighting. There’s been some changes since then.
After police reviewed the evidence, they upgraded the charge against
Anderson to felony dogfighting and when he showed up for his buddies’
hearing, was promptly rearrested. It was after he was arrested that
they found a video on his cellphone of a man setting a dog on fire!! If
you recall, Anderson was the guy who denied everything saying,
“That’s crazy. They’re little puppies. They’re barely walking. They
probably could have did with a bath,” and claiming that the one puppy
lost its eye when a door fell on it. I’m hoping no one actually bought
in to
that BS!! Looks like the bricks in the wall are piling up higher and
higher for this scum. The police are going to examine the video and see
if there’s any links to Anderson or Sutton and Webb. Bail for all these
of these big tough men is set at $500k. Glad to see that this is being
taken seriously!
Quick Updates on a Few Cases
|
Lance Webb |
Martez Anderson |
Dogfighting Ring at Daycare Center
In September a dogfighting ring was busted at a Maywood, IL home daycare center where 10 children were being cared for just feet from where fighting dogs were secured. Three houses were raided, three men arrested and of course they all denied any involvement despite the evidence of the scarred and injured dogs and dogfighting equipment.
http://fortheloveofthedogblog.com/news-updates/quick-updates-on-a-few-cases
Five Men Plead Guilty to Their Roles in a Dog Fighting Conspiracy
Robert Hackman 
Michael Morgan 
Following the biggest dog-fighting ring bust in U.S. history this summer, some of more than 500 pit bulls are up for adoption. The St. Louis Humane Society has been caring for 407 dogs that were confiscated from a multi-state dog-fighting ring raid in July. More than 100 puppies were born after they were confiscated.
ST.
LOUIS, MO—Four men pleaded guilty in federal court today for their
roles in a dog fighting conspiracy and selling dogs for fighting
purposes, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced
today. A fifth man pleaded guilty last week to the same charges in the
Western District of Missouri. According
to the facts filed with the court at the time of the pleas, between
January 2008 and June 2009, Michael Morgan, Robert Hackman, Teddy
Kiriakidis, Ronald Creach, and Jack Ruppel were involved in animal
fighting ventures and dog fighting competitions. They established and
ran various kennel operations to purchase, breed, train, condition, and
develop Pit Bull Terriers for participation in the animal fighting
ventures. Robert Hackman operated “Shake Rattle and Roll Kennel,” Jack
Ruppel operated “Ozark Hillbillys Kennel,” Michael Morgan a/k/a
“Missouri Mike” operated “Cannibal Kennel,” and Ronald Creach operated
“Hard Goodbye Kennel.” Each defendant
admitted that they routinely inhumanely abandoned, destroyed and
otherwise disposed of Pit Bull Terriers that lost fighting
competitions, did not perform aggressively enough, or that became
injured, wounded or disabled as a result of participating in animal
fighting ventures. By pleading
guilty, all defendants have agreed to forfeit to the government all of
the animals, money, weapons, animal fighting paraphernalia, property,
and assets seized by law enforcement officials during their
investigation.
- MICHAEL MORGAN, a/k/a Missouri Mike, Hannibal, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit federal offenses and one felony count of prohibitions against animal fighting ventures
- ROBERT HACKMAN, Foley, Missouri pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit federal offenses and one felony count of prohibitions against animal fighting ventures
- TEDDY KIRIAKIDIS, a/k/a Teddy Bogart, Leasburg, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit federal offenses
- RONALD CREACH, Leslie, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit federal offenses
Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. Sentencing has been set for December 2, 2009, for each defendant. If you'd like to read more: http://www.missourinet.com/2009/10/22/dogs-rescued-from-dog-fighting-ring-up-for-adoption/
Another man arrested with connection to this case in New York
Eldon Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Dog Fighting.
Jack Ruppel 
By
KSPR News
The ASPCA in
New York says four men from Missouri have pleaded guilty to federal dog
fighting charges. The men were arrested during the nation's largest dog
fighting raid in U.S history in July.Jack Ruppel of Eldon pleaded guilty earlier this month
He was one of 26 people arrested in eight states when rescuers seized more than 400 dogs.
NEW YORK—The ASPCA(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has confirmed, through the Humane Society of Missouri, that four defendants in Missouri pled guilty today to federal dog fighting charges stemming from the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history, which took place last July 8. Four eastern Missouri men--Robert Hackman of Foley, Teddy Kiriakidis of Leasburg, Ronald Creach of Leslie and Michael Morgan of Hannibal--pled guilty today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to charges connected to the dog fighting raid. Another man arrested in connection with the raid, Jack Ruppel of Eldon, pled guilty to charges on September 4 in federal court in Jefferson City.
The ASPCA assisted the Humane Society of Missouri and federal and state agencies in conducting the raid, which resulted in the rescue of over 400 dogs and the arrests of 26 people accused of organizing dog fighting rings. Arrests were made in eight states, including Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Mississippi. Dogs rescued from the properties associated with the persons who pled guilty exhibited numerous wounds and scars; one was missing lips; another was missing a leg. Many had internal parasites, ear infections and broken, worn or missing teeth.
Robert Hackman of Foley, Teddy Kiriakidis of Leasburg, Ronald Creach of Leslie and Michael Morgan of Hannibal pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to charges connected to the raid. Another man arrested in connection with the raid �" Jack Ruppel of Eldon �" pleaded guilty to charges Sept. 4 in federal court in Jefferson City. Read More: http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/15616/MO/US/
Read More:
http://www.kspr.com/news/local/59287387.html
Virginia man who sold videos of pit bull fights
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appeared poised Tuesday to strike down a federal law that makes it a crime to sell depictions of animal cruelty because the law sweeps too broadly and violates free speech rights.
In a spirited hour marked by wild hypothetical questions, a majority of the justices suggested by their remarks that they thought the disputed statute — used to prosecute a Virginia man who sold videos of pit bull fights — was too vague.
Justice Antonin Scalia questioned whether the
law would cover videos of bullfights, which he said some viewers —
"contrary to the animal cruelty people" — might believe "ennoble both
beast and man." Justice John Paul Stevens asked whether images of
animals hunted with bow and arrow might be covered. Justice Samuel Alito, who seemed more
sympathetic than most of the justices to Congress' efforts to ban
animal abuse images, asked whether laws could target videos of Roman
gladiators fighting to the death or even a "human sacrifice channel" on
cable TV.
A jury rejected Robert Stevens' claim that his
videos had social value. He was convicted of selling depictions of
animal cruelty and sentenced to 37 months in prison. He has not served
time because of the appeal.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2009-10-06-animal-video-hearing_N.htm
Hog-Dog Fighting |
 |
 | |
| ©The HSUS | |
| This wild hog suffered injuries in a hog-dog fight. |
Although hog-dog fight promoters often bill fights as "family entertainment," this bloodsport is closely connected to other crimes and forms of violence in addition to cruelty to animals.
Public exposure of hog-dog fighting and efforts by our Animal Cruelty and Fighting campaign have helped spur a legislative crackdown on hog-dog fighting. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina have passed laws making hog-dog fighting illegal, alongside the blood sports of cockfighting and dogfighting. And the attorneys general in Texas and Florida have delivered opinions stating that hog-dog fights violate their cruelty laws.
Get the facts on hog-dog fighting.
Recent Hog-Dog Fighting News
176 Arrested in Raid of Texas Cockfight; Birds To Be Euthanized
Author : AHN Posted: January 4, 2010
Parker County, Texas, United States (AHN) – Authorities arrested 176 people over the weekend at a cockfight in northern Texas. According to the Star-Telegram, authorities raided a barn in Parker County where people could watch roosters with one-inch knives attached to their legs fight for $20. The fights had been going on for some time, and Parker County law enforcement officials began surveillance of the barn mid-December. Authorities seized drugs and cash from the scene, as well as 114 roosters that will likely be euthanized. Many of those arrested have been released after paying a fine, but others could be charged with gambling or engaging in organized criminal activity. The Dallas Morning News reported that the cockfight included a raffle of a new motor home and the sale of t-shirts. Cockfighting is illegal nationwide, but activities related to it are legal in several states. In Texas, cockfighting is a felony but possessing birds or implements for cockfights, and attending a cockfight are legal. Birds used in cockfights are bred for speed and strength despite having the evolutionary traits of “a forager and not a fighter,”, according to the United Poultry Concerns. They cannot escape a fight regardless of their injury or exhaustion, the Humane Society of the United States says. The birds’ legs are fitted with spurs, which can either be blades or three-inch long curved picks called gaffs. They commonly suffer or die from punctured lungs, broken bones, and pierced eyes.
http://www.inquisitr.com/55239/176-arrested-in-raid-of-texas-cockfight-birds-to-be-euthanized/
Elmont NY, USA Man Jailed for Dog Fighting
An Elmont man was jailed Monday after admitting to allowing his pit
bulls to fight and prohibiting them from getting veterinary care for
their resulting injuries.
Marlon Bernier, 24, was sentenced to 90 days in Nassau County jail and the dogs were removed from his care after he pleaded guilty to menacing and two counts of animal cruelty. Nassau County police found four pit bills collared by heavy chains to trees while a lone and unfettered pit pull was permitted to attack the others in the yard of Bernier’s Virginia Avenue home on May 29, 2009. The officers called for Town of Hempstead Animal Control Officers to provide assistance to the animals, but Bernier threatened to release the pit bulls to attack the officers if they did not leave, prosecutors said. Bernier was arrested by police four days later. Two dogs were seized and brought to the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Police also found weights, tires, muzzles and other equipment commonly used in training pit bulls to fight at the scene. As part of the plea, Bernier surrendered his rights to the pit bulls that were recovered. The court issued an order prohibiting Bernier from having any pets for the next five years.
http://www.longislandpress.com/2010/06/14/elmont-man-jailed-for-dog-fighting/
Michael Vick aka Ookie arrested for illegal activities and dog fighting.
Original Story: Michael Vick aka Ookie and his
attorneys have signed a plea agreement with the U.S. attorneys
prosecuting him. Under that agreement, Vick will plead guilty to the
charge of
conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce for illegal activities and
dog fighting. As part of that agreement, Vick admitted that he was part
of the dog
fighting venture known as Bad Newz Kennels which operated out of his
Surry County, Virginia home, the place raided earlier this year by
authorities who found pit bulls chained to buried car axles and a great
deal of dog fighting equipment. Indeed, Vick has admitted he largely
funded this illegal venture.
Vick has also admitted staging, promoting, managing, establishing, and
carrying on dog fights in Virginia and elsewhere. He helped purchase
and test and roll fighting dogs. Vick has flatly admitted gambling on
dog fights. He has flatly admitted killing dogs by hanging, drowning
and slamming them repeatedly on the ground until they were dead. Vick
admitted the dog fighting equipment found on the property was
used in this venture. That property included the dogs, many of which
had scars and injuries; a breeding stand, break or parting sticks used
to pry dogs' mouths open during a fight, treadmill, slat mills and
other items. Vick's own father, Michael Boddie, has said his son
regularly
conducted dog fights even in the garage of their family home in Newport
News, Virginia. Boddie was left to nurse the poor battered animals.
Those that weren't killed.
I got one question: Why did his dad not call the
police then or now?
Update August 27, 2007: Judge Henry E. Hudson has
accepted Michael Vick's guilty plea and set sentencing for December
10, 2007. In a press conference following Monday's court
hearing, Vick
offered, "What I did was very immature, so that means I need to grow
up. I totally ask for forgiveness and understanding.... I feel like we
all make mistakes. And I made a mistake in using bad judgment and
making bad decisions." Huh? Yes, okay, "very immature", a
"mistake". How about horribly
cruel, inhumane and ghastly? Let's hope the judge uses these latter
adjectives in describing Vick's dog fighting operation and his brutal
treatment of these dogs.
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