A Hanson man was sentenced in Boston federal court on Wednesday, April 9, for keeping numerous mistreated dogs at his home that he used in organized dogfighting, according to the Department of Justice.
John D. Murphy, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to one year and one day in prison, with the last three months to be served in community confinement, followed by three years of supervised release, a DOJ written statement says.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 and is prohibited from owning any pit bull or related dog breeds.
Murphy’s sentence could have been far more severe, as each count allows for up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Conviction under federal Animal Welfare Act a first for Massachusetts
Murphy pleaded guilty in November 2024, to nine counts of possessing animals for use in animal fighting, which is a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024.
“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,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “We will not tolerate animal cruelty in our communities.”
The investigation into Murphy’s longtime ties to dogfighting
In 2021, Murphy was identified discussing dogfighting on recorded calls with a New York-based dogfighting suspect.
A subsequent search of Murphy’s Facebook accounts showed his years-long involvement in dogfighting, according to the DOJ.
Prosecutors said Murphy used Facebook to talk with other dogfighters about the results of dogfights, injuries sustained by fighting dogs, as well as breeding dogs.
Murphy also belonged to private dogfighting Facebook groups used to share fight results, buy and sell fighting dogs and exchange information on training and conditioning fighting dogs, according to the DOJ.
Photos and videos show poor condition of dogs used in fights
Photos and videos found on Murphy’s Facebook account showed a pit bull-type dog with scarring and discolorations on its head and leg consistent with that of dogfighting as well as a photo of a pit bull-type dog restrained in a breeding stand.
Videos from his account showed pit bull-type dogs physically tethered to different treadmill-like devices that dogfighters commonly use to physically condition dogs for dogfights.
The DOJ said one of the videos depicted a live raccoon caged in front of the treadmill-like device to serve as a stimulus for the dog to run faster and harder.
DOJ: Murphy said he would ‘never, never, never quit’ what he was doing
A forensic examination of Murphy’s cellphone revealed significant additional evidence of his involvement in dogfighting. This included multiple dogfighting videos and WhatsApp messages between Murphy and other individuals discussing elements of dogfighting.
In one of the messages, Murphy expressed his anger over having animal control called to his property and the 25 years he invested in breeding and conditioning dogs, and asserting that he will “never never never” quit what he is doing with the dogs.
Animal fighting paraphernalia furthers case
Animal fighting paraphernalia was also found during a search of Murphy’s home. Among the items found were spring poles, which the DOJ said are used to build a dog’s jaw strength and increase aggression; several treadmills, slat mills and carpet mills used to condition dogs to build stamina and muscle; a dog-bite sleeve; and disposable skin staplers often used in an attempt to close wounds resulting from dogfights.
There were also DVDs of dogfights, steroids and painkillers, along with fertility medications, the DOJ said.
Murphy had more than a dozen fighting dogs at two locations
In March 2024, the United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint against 13 pit bull-type dogs, seized in June 2023 from Murphy’s residence and another residence in Townsend that were possessed for participation in an animal fighting venture. In September and October 2024, the court ordered the dogs to be forfeited to the United States.
“Dogfighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “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.”
How to report suspect dogfighting and related abuse
To report animal fighting crimes, contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.
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