Justice Is Served – Animal abusers get jail time

On July 22, five more defendants were convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to time behind bars in connection with a massive dog fighting raid that the ASPCA helped carry out in July 2009. The operation spanned eight states—Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi—and resulted in the rescue of more than 500 Pit Bulls.
“Even two years after the bust, we are still working hard to see that the guilty are convicted,” says ASPCA Animal Fighting Specialist Terry Mills. In total, 103 arrests have been made in conjunction with the raid—40 on federal charges and 63 on state charges.
The convicted offenders aren’t getting off easy…
“In the federal system, the recommended time for dog fighting is probation to six months,” explains Mills. “Most of the judges are viewing that range as inadequate in this case—sentencing has gone as high as 33 months in federal prison.”
Known as the “Missouri 500,” the dogs rescued in the raid were placed in loving homes or with sanctuaries prepared to meet their special needs.
“We are so grateful to our members,” says Mills. “Their continued support ensures that these dogs are given a second chance, and that justice is served.”
Thank you!