Dogfighting Prosecution

Ohio Dogfighting Attorneys: Cleveland, Medina, Akron, Wadsworth, Fairlawn, Sharon Center
Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law

Ohio’s Stance on Dogfighting

While Ohio law expressly forbids the use or training of animals for sport-fighting of any kind, dogfighting is the most serious of these offenses, and is considered a felony. In sec. 959, the Ohio Revised Code states that:

“No person shall knowingly do any of the following: (1) Promote, engage in, or be employed at dogfighting; (2) Receive money or anything else of value for the admission of another person to a dogfighting event or place kept for dogfighting; (3) Sell, purchase, possess, or train a dog for dogfighting; (4) Use, train, or possess a dog for seizing, detaining, or mistreating a domestic animal; (5) Pay money or give anything else of value in exchange for admission to or to be present at a dogfight; (6) Witness a dogfight if it is presented as a public spectacle.”    (ORC sec. 959.16)

Prosecuting Dogfighting Cases

Northeast Ohio Dogfighting Lawyers: Cleveland, Medina, Wadsworth, Akron, Fairlawn
Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law

Dogfighting is an abusive and barbarous practice that tortures animals, endangers the health and safety of the public, and is known to facilitate other crimes (such as illegal gambling, drug abuse and sales, and firearms offenses).

Over the past 20 years, the attorneys at Holland & Muirden have successfully prosecuted numerous dogfighting-related cases all over the state of Ohio. While proving the elements of this crime can be a challenging task, our extensive experience representing Humane Societies in 42 Ohio counties has made our office uniquely qualified to successfully prosecute and convict dogfighting rings.

Building a Successful Case

Most dogfighters are well-aware of the illegality of their practice, and take great care to cover up any evidence of wrongdoing. Because of this, it is important for any dogfighting prosecutor to be highly familiar with the practical elements of dogfighting, so that they know what to look for.

Dog licensing records, local breeders and veterinarians, underground dogfighting publications, local Humane Society or animal control records, and prior dogfighting convicts can provide a wealth of information to those interested in bringing dogfighters to justice.

Investigating Dogfighting Cases

When investigating the premises of a suspected dogfighting ring, it is helpful to know what incriminating pieces of evidence to look for:

           Drugs & Vitamins

  • Amphetamine pills / injectable stimulants / “speed”
  • Hormones / androgenic steroids / testosterone derivatives
  • Vitamin B-12 injectable solution
  • Liver and iron extract (used with B-12 injections to increase red blood cell level)
  • Canine red cell (vitamin / iron supplement)
  • Dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory drug that delays shock, numbs muscle pain, and reduces swelling; “Azium”)
  • Epinephrine
  • Furosemide (diuretic)
  • Propionate, Repotest, Probolic Oil (hormones)
  • Dinabol, EquiPoise, Winstrol V (steroids)
  • Codeine, Dilaudid, Talivin (painkillers)
  • Antibiotics / combiotics / Nitrofurazone antibiotic gel
  • Pad-Kote (foot pad ointment)
  • Vitamin B-15
  • “Energy Plus”
  • Clovite conditioner (Vitamin A, B-12, and D)
  • Provim (for stress)
  • Stress-Dex (oral electrolyte / vitamin)

           Veterinary Supplies

  • Dressing for wounds
  • Blood hemoglobin testing kits
  • IV kit / syringes
  • Sutures / needles
  • Surgical staplers
  • Alcohol pats / applicators
  • Sponges
  • Forceps
  • Scalpels
  • Surgical scissors

           Training Supplies

  • Special collars / harnesses
  • “Breaking sticks” (used to pry apart a dog’s bite hold; often chewed-up)
  • “Keeps” (training / conditioning programs)
  • Transport cages and crates
  • Live bait / live lures (rodents, gamefowl, cats, smaller dogs)
  • “Catmill” / “Jenny” (wheeled harness for live lures; used to start a chase)
  • “Slat mill” (treadmill)
  • “Springpole” (elevated object used to strengthen a dog’s jaw and leg muscles)
  • Large scales (for weighing dogs)
  • Fighting pit / arena (often with diagonal “scratch lines” in the corners)

Ohio Dogfighting Attorneys: Prosecuting in Cleveland, Medina, Akron, Wadsworth, Fairlawn, and more