Statement From Acting U.S. Attorney Levy on First Federal Dogfighting Case Charged in the 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.”