BROKEN ARROW, OKLA (KTUL) — An Oklahoma man has been charged after 190 dogs were seized in a dog fighting case.
Leshon Eugene Johnson, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was charged with operating a large-scale dog-fighting and trafficking venture involving 190 pit-bull type dogs.
It’s believed to be the latest number of dogs ever seized from a single person in a federal dog fighting case.
“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm.”
According to court documents, Johnson ran an operation known as “Mal Kant Kennels” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. He previously ran “Krazyside Kennels”, which led to his guilty plea on state animal fighting charges in 2004.
Documents state Johnson selectively bred “champion” fighting dogs, marketed and sold stud rights and offspring, and trafficked fighting dogs across the country.
“The FBI will not tolerate criminals that harm innocent animals for their twisted form of entertainment,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI views animal cruelty investigations as a precursor to larger, organized crime efforts, similar to trafficking and homicides. This is yet another push in the FBI’s crackdown of violent offenders harming our most innocent.”
It’s illegal to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase, or receive dogs for fighting purposes.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty on each count of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Dog fighting is a cruel, blood-thirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “I applaud the investigative work of the FBI and the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in detecting and dismantling breeding operations which only serve to propagate this deplorable conduct.”
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