A former professional football player, known for his time in the National Football League (NFL), has recently been found guilty in a major dogfighting case. The former NFL star, LeShon Johnson, who had played as a running back for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, has been held accountable for operating an illegal business which involved breeding and trading of premium dogs specifically for dog fights. This information has been confirmed by a statement from the Department of Justice.
The federal jury in Oklahoma delivered a guilty verdict to Johnson on six counts of felony, all of them violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act’s terms against ‘owning, selling, transporting and delivering animals to be utilised in fighting affairs,’ according to the statement from the Department of Justice. The case resulted in an unprecedented number of dogs being confiscated from a single individual. Subsequent to the verdict, Johnson had to relinquish custody of a whopping 190 dogs from his ‘Mal Kant Kennels’.
Authorities have pronounced this case as one involving the highest ever amount of dogs reclaimed from an individual in a federal dogfighting case. With the severity of the crimes committed, Johnson now faces some serious penalties. Each of the six felony counts could lead up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
The legal representatives of Johnson have tried to paint a different picture of the former NFL player. ‘Looking beyond the picture painted by the government’s case, the jurors acknowledged there is more to the character of LeShon Johnson. He is not just a public figure but a family man who cherishes his dogs. His involvement in dogfighting is nowhere near what the prosecution wants to establish’ was the stance they came forward with.
‘The U.S. government’s real target is the American pit bull terrier bred by Johnson,’ was the additional remark made by Jordan, a representative of the defence. The case brought to mind another notable instance, the 2007 federal dogfighting case which starred another NFL personality, Michael Vick, who happened to perform in the quarterback position.
Vick, also found guilty, openly confessed his involvement in the inhumane business of dogfighting and illegal gambling. He also confessed to playing a role in the elimination of dogs that were no longer profitable. As a consequence, Vick served almost two years in prison. In a rather turn of events, he took a stance against the gruesome sport of dogfighting post his release in 2009, coming back to the NFL, and then becoming a college team coach.
While the act of dogfighting is deemed illegal across all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, it’s a grim fact that over 40,000 people are still engaged with operations contributing to this cruel sport. These operations usually involve breeding, conditioning and training dogs, who are forced to fight each other in a pit, for the sheer amusement of spectators and for generating profit. This data is backed by reports from the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
It wasn’t the first run-in Johnson had with the law in relation to dogfighting. Back in 2004, Johnson had been convicted on a state level for a similar crime. The Justice Department reports that the most recent federal case classified Johnson as a key player in the illegal commerce of ‘fighting dogs’ and their puppies for dogfighting, significantly profiting from this appalling industry.
The court proceedings revealed that Johnson’s activities resulted in direct profit from the brutal and illicit industry of dogfighting. An insightful line of comments came from Attorney General Pamela Bondi, ‘The criminal painted a picture of enrichment at the expense of helpless animals. The severe consequences he faces are well matched to his revolting actions’.
Bondi also added, ‘This case highlights the Department of Justice’s continuous efforts toward preventing animal abuse. Our team’s commitment to collaboration and effective law enforcement has saved 190 dogs from potential harm.’
The case suggests that the federal government is now seeking the forfeiture of the remaining dogs. Once this happens, the U.S. Marshals Service is set up to care for the dogs. The Department of Justice has confirmed this information.
The post Ex-NFL Star Found Guilty in Massive Dogfighting Case appeared first on Real News Now.
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