Press Release
Statement From Acting U.S. Attorney Levy on First Federal Dogfighting Case Charged in the District of Massachusetts
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts
“This morning, John Murphy, of Hanson, Mass., was arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture – in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Court filings allege that on June 7, 2023, federal agents executed a search of Mr. Murphy’s residence in Hanson and seized nine pit bull-type dogs possessed for the purpose of animal fighting.
Federal agents also recovered from Mr. Murphy’s home many items commonly used with dogfighting operations, including:
- Veterinary supplies and disposable skin staplers, used to close dogfight wounds;
- Injectable anabolic steroids;
- Dog fighting literature and other dogfighting training equipment; and
- Break sticks, which are used by dogfighters to pry open a dog’s bite on another dog.
We have also filed a civil forfeiture action to forfeit the dogs seized to date during the investigation.
This is the first-time federal criminal charges have brought in the District of Massachusetts under the federal Animal Welfare Act. Dogfighting for entertainment and profit is cruel, it’s inhumane, and it is a felony under federal law.
Today’s arrest puts an end to the calculated brutality we allege Mr. Murphy perpetuated and should serve as a warning to others who engage in the barbaric practice of dog fighting.
The investigation remains ongoing.”
Updated March 29, 2024
Topic
Animal Welfare
Component