A Massachusetts man has been sentenced for his involvement in a dogfighting venture. John D. Murphy, 51, from Hanson, Mass. received a sentence of one year and one day in prison, with the last three months to be served in community confinement. This sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. Murphy was also fined $10,000 and prohibited from possessing pit-bull type dogs. In November 2024, he had pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for an animal fighting venture, a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young delivered the sentence in Boston's federal court. Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.
“Dogfighting is a blood sport rooted in cruelty and greed. For years, Mr. Murphy brutalized defenseless animals for profit and sport – training them to fight, suffer and die for his own financial gain. His actions were not only illegal but deeply disturbing," said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. "This sentencing marks a historic moment in the first federal dogfighting conviction in Massachusetts and serves as a stark warning: those who engage in this barbaric practice will be exposed, prosecuted and punished. We will not tolerate animal cruelty in our communities.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division stated, “Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling. We are committed to holding violators accountable. We commend the collaboration between federal and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting this case.”
The investigation into Murphy's activities revealed that he had been involved in dogfighting for years, discussing dogfighting activities over recorded calls with associates and using Facebook to share information and discuss dogfights. A search of his residence in June 2023 uncovered nine pit bull-type dogs, many with injuries indicative of dogfighting. Authorities also found equipment used for dogfighting and training, including treadmills, break sticks, and steroids, among others.
The Office of Inspector General played a role in the investigation, with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker stating: “The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare."
In March 2024, authorities filed a civil forfeiture complaint against 13 dogs seized from Murphy's residence and another location, with a court ordering the dogs to be forfeited to the United States in September and October 2024.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown, along with Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris, prosecuted the case.
To report animal fighting crimes, local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline can be contacted at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.
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