Long Island, New York dog fighting bust leads to 89 pooches rescued

In one of the largest busts of dogfighting rings in New York state history, over 80 dogs were saved and ten male suspects were taken into custody on Monday in Suffolk County.

An investigation by several local, county, and state law enforcement agencies revealed that the dogfighting ring included the breeding, training, and illegal fighting of pit bulls and spanned Long Island, New York City, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

The investigation, which began in the first few months of 2021, revealed that the suspects in question prepared puppies for practice fights or even just “rolls” to demonstrate their fighting prowess as early as 6 months of age. The dogs were compelled to train endlessly for fighting and endured cruel living conditions throughout their adult lives.

According to authorities, a “broker” set up fights based on a dog’s height and body weight once it was deemed fit for combat. Authorities noted that a ready challenger would “forfeit” or pay a buy-in price to bring their dog into a fight. All of the prizes would go to the owner of the winning dog.

Some were placing bets on how the horrific battles, in which the dogs might suffer fatal injuries or severe injuries, would turn out. Investigators found that dogs who suffered severe injuries or even did not perform well were killed by the defendants.

The male suspects who are accused also made money from breeding and selling dogs that are thought to have strong fighting genes.

On July 31 and August 1, nine residents of Suffolk County, three of Nassau County, and one of Brooklyn were searched; these were the sites where 81 dogs were saved. Eight more dogs have been rescued in Connecticut.

Canines found living in appalling conditions in garages, sheds, and basements were helped to recover by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was discovered that certain dogs had neither food nor water.

“Many of the dogs displayed various medical conditions consistent with dogfighting, including scarring and broken teeth, and were exhibiting fearful behavior,” the District Attorney’s office stated.

Searches turned up disturbing dogfighting supplies, including “rape stands,” which are used to render female dogs incapable of procreating, skin staplers, anabolic steroids, nutritional supplements, tools for electrocuting dogs, “break sticks,” which are used to break up fights, and canine training equipment like treadmills.

The ten criminals, whose ages range from 32 to 80, could receive a maximum sentence of four years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. Due to additional drug charges, one of the accused faces a two-decade sentence.

Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini stated that a special grand jury will investigate the case in order to formulate future legal recommendations regarding effective prevention of animal cruelty.

“The Special Grand Jury will be considering recommendations we can make to strengthen the laws on animal cruelty and further protect animals from this kind of senseless abuse,” he stated. “We need to hold these bad actors accountable for their violent actions and these crimes need to be treated seriously under our law.”

“We will not tolerate these types of crimes – crimes that injure and, in many cases, result in the death of vulnerable animals,” Sini’s statement reads. “Many of us have dogs as pets in our homes and we love them as another family member. This case is about how a criminal network bred dogs, tortured them, and put them in serious harm’s way just to make a buck.”

“These arrests represent a significant blow to dogfighting, certainly here on Long Island and we believe it will have impacts throughout the Northeast.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea chimed in, stating “The NYPD will continue to enforce the laws that protect animals and ensure those who abuse them are brought to justice.”

Senior Counsel for ASPCA Legal Advocacy & Investigations named Elizabeth Brandler stated that “This brutal case involving dozens of victimized animals demonstrates that dogfighting persists in every corner of America, requiring that we remain diligent in our effort to eradicate animal fighting across the country.”

Brandler added that “We are grateful that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department chose to work with us on this complex case and for their commitment to stopping these despicable crimes, rescuing the animals involved, and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”