Dogfight Ring Busted: 367 Pit Bulls Seized

MONTGOMERY, AL – A brutal underworld of animal cruelty and high-stakes gambling was exposed Friday with the arrests of nine individuals and the seizure of 367 pit bull terriers allegedly forced to fight for profit. The operation, spanning Alabama and Georgia, culminated in 13 coordinated search warrants and the discovery of a ring fueled by staggering sums of money and callous disregard for animal welfare.

Those arrested following a federal indictment for violations of dog fighting and gambling statutes include: Donnie Anderson, 48, of Auburn, Alabama; Demontt Allen, 37, of Houston, Texas; William Antone Edwards, 42, of Brantley, Alabama; William Oneil Edwards, 39, of Elba, Alabama; Robin Stinson, 40, of Elba, Alabama; Michael Martin, 54, of Auburn, Alabama; Lawrence Watford, 35, of Adel, Georgia; Ricky Van Le, 24, of Biloxi, Mississippi; David Sellers, 52, of Opelika, Alabama; and Sandy Brown, 47, of Brownsville, Alabama.

The 30-count federal indictment alleges that between 2009 and 2013, the defendants conspired to promote and sponsor dog fights, and conspired to possess, buy, sell, transport, and deliver dogs for fighting purposes. Individual charges include promoting dog fights and possessing dogs for fighting, as well as conducting an illegal gambling business. The stakes were high, according to U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr., with bets ranging from $5,000 to a staggering $200,000 per fight.

Agents executed search warrants in 11 Alabama locations and two in Georgia, uncovering not only the abused animals but also guns, illegal narcotics, and drugs used to treat and train the dogs for combat. The investigation has already yielded over $500,000 seized from those allegedly involved. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) were brought in to assist with the massive undertaking of taking custody of the 367 dogs, many bearing the visible scars of repeated fights.

“These dog fighters abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed ‘fun’ of watching and gambling on a dog fight,” Beck stated. “Their behavior is deplorable, will not be tolerated, and will be punished to the full extent of the law.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Richardson emphasized the link between animal cruelty and other criminal activities, stating the sheer number of seized dogs “speaks volumes as to the inhumane and violent abuse of animals associated with the illegal practices of drug activity afflicting our communities.” Auburn Police Division Chief Paul Register added that this case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation to address crimes that cross state lines.

Animal welfare organizations are vowing to continue the fight against dog fighting. “We are committing to eradicating dog fighting in every dark corner where it festers,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “This series of raids reminds every dogfighter that they are not beyond the law and their day of reckoning will come.” Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA, declared, “Today we ended the torture of hundreds of abused and neglected dogs.” The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but face a maximum sentence if convicted. The full extent of the charges and potential penalties remain to be seen as the case proceeds through the federal court system.