Strong Sentences Handed Down By Alabama Court in Historic Dog Fighting Case

[rockin'robin]

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama concluded sentencing today for eight individuals arrested during the second largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history in August 2013. The case was led by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who requested assistance from the ASPCA and HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) in the removal, transport, sheltering, medical and daily care of the animals seized during the raid. Sentences ranged from six months to eight years—which is the longest prison term ever handed down in a federal dog fighting case.

Throughout the hearing, U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins commented on the extreme cruelty committed both due to dog fighting and the conditions in which these dogs were forced to live. Judge Watkins further reiterated that the federal sentencing guidelines for dog fighting are wholly inadequate to address the seriousness of the crime. He estimated that the defendants had injured or killed between 420 to 640 dogs in the course of this dog fighting operation.

“These dogs lived in deplorable conditions, were emaciated, had parasites, ear infections, eye infections, heartworms, fleas and ticks,” stated U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. “Their living conditions constituted extraordinary cruelty. These dogs were also made to fight and, if they lost the fight, they were killed. I hope that these sentences demonstrate the seriousness of this crime and will deter others from committing these atrocities.”

Judge Watkins also ordered that after their release from prison, each defendant serve a three-year term of supervised release. While on supervised release, the defendants are prohibited from possessing dogs.

“This is truly a landmark case for the animal welfare community,” said Tim Rickey, Vice President of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response, who testified at the hearings. “We hope this case serves as a precedent for future dog fighting cases and sends a message to dog fighters everywhere that this crime will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

On August 23, 2013, The ASPCA and HSUS assisted the United States Attorney’s Office and FBI in seizing hundreds of dogs in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. Many of the dogs seized during this case have finally moved on to the second chapters of their lives and were placed with various rescue groups across the country to be made available for adoption.

We believe that there will come a time when dog fighting is seen for what it really is: the shameful pastime of cowards. But until that day comes, we will continue to fight for the victims—so that they never have to fight again.

http://www.aspca.org/blog/strong-se...tm_source=blog-dog-fighting-sentence-20141112

 

[rockin'robin]

Tougher dogfighting laws in Michigan bring up to 20 years in jail and $100,000 fines

Beginning this month, dogfighting in Michigan will carry much heavier sentences. Dogfighting can be prosecuted and carry sentences of up to 20 years in jail and fines of $100,000. The new legislation is the toughest in the United States and was signed into law in December 2012 by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Vicki Deisner, ASPCA's state director for the Midwest told the Lansing State Journal that "Michigan is out ahead on this one". Prior to the changes, the felony was punishable by up to 4 years in jail and up to $50,000 maximum fine.

With the new laws, police are allowed to seize homes and vehicles associated with animal fighting and to shut down any venue associated with animal fighting. They can also add animal fighting, shooting and baiting as racketeering crimes.

Sen. Rick Jones, a sponsor of the legislation, said the bills send the message that "Michigan is not a good place to bring dogfighting: 20 years in prison, $100,000 fine, lose your house, your barn, your property, cars, anything involved with this crime." He said, "It's sweeping legislation that has been noticed nationwide as a real example of getting tough on a terrible blood sport, where you have dogs torn apart for gambling and profit."

The tougher legislation, in essence, attempts to takes the profit away from those involved in the violent blood sport. It's estimated gambling at a single match can bring in tens of thousands of dollars. Dogfighting also is a magnet for other criminal activity such as illegal gambling, drugs and guns. According to the ASPCA, nationwide dogfighting is a multimillion-dollar "industry" with Detroit, Flint and Kalamazoo, being hotbeds for dogfighting. In August last year, 46 dogs were rescued from an operation in Kalamazoo.

Wayne County's assistant prosecutor Raj Prasad said of the legislation, "It enables us to go after the more long-term breeders and fighters. These laws are designed to go after the bigger operations that have a lot more invested in dogfighting, cockfighting."

http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/post...ring-up-to-20-years-in-jail-and-100-000-fines

 

[rockin'robin]

FBI Case Results In Harshest Dog Fighting Penalty Ever

The perpetrators involved in the second-largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history are finally facing justice.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama concluded sentencing on Wednesday after a total of 367 dogs were rescued during a raid in August 2013 in Alabama and Georgia by the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Eight people who were involved in the dog fighting ring are now facing jail time, six of them for over a year, according to a joint press release from the ASPCA and HSUS. The sentences range from two months to eight years — the longest sentence ever handed down for a federal dog fighting case. Authorities estimated that the defendants had injured or killed between 420 to 640 dogs over the course of their dog fighting operation.

The recipient of the record-breaking sentence is a 50-year-old Alabama man named Donnie Anderson, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy, sponsoring dog fights, possessing a fighting dog and operating an illegal gambling business. All eight defendants are prohibited from owning dogs for two to three years after their release. They also may have to pay restitution to the ASPCA and HSUS, both organizations which helped cover the cost of caring for the seized dogs.

U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. said in a statement provided to ASPCA:

“These dogs lived in deplorable conditions that constituted extraordinary cruelty. They were made to fight and if they lost, they were killed. In addition to the brutality experienced by the dogs, these events attracted drugs dealers and illegal gambling. It was not uncommon for large amounts of cash, often between twenty and two-hundred thousand dollars, to change hands. The prospect of huge profits made these fights even more popular and provided a venue for other criminal activity. I hope that these sentences demonstrate the seriousness of this crime and will deter others from committing these atrocities.”

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins further noted that the federal sentencing guidelines for dog fighting are not adequate to address how serious it is.

The historic case is the second measure this year to prove a heightened commitment to ending dog fighting, which is considered a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Farm Bill, signed earlier this year by President Obama, made it a federal offense to attend an organized animal fight, and also imposed additional penalties for bringing a minor to a fight.

https://www.thedodo.com/historic-dog-fighting-ruling-815434314.html

 

[whatdidyousay!]

Good! About time this happen maybe it will made some ass think twice about harming innocent dogs. My dad was going to kick one of our dogs and I told my dad he had to kick me first to get the dog. He walked away.

 

[Lau2046]

They should be handing down 20 years for people that torture and abuse animals. Anyone that wants to own an animal should have a background check, the same as you would if you want to purchase a firearm...and a red flag should go up by their name if they were cited for abuse. When are the courts going to stop equating animals with furniture and calling them "property...."

Laura