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Dun Bradford, 69 Counts of Dog Fighting, Georgia 2024
A notorious dog-fighting breeder and trainer in Southwest Georgia has been convicted of dozens of federal animal welfare charges, along with possessing guns and manufacturing drugs.
Dun Bradford, of Sale City, Georgia, was found guilty of 67 counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture, one count of manufacture of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime.
“The defendant had extensive involvement in dog fighting and had garnered a reputation as a dog fighting breeder and trainer, which is an especially brutal pursuit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “His conviction highlights local, state, and federal law enforcement working together and applying our expertise and resources to rescue 67 abused dogs and get a notorious player out of the dog fighting criminal enterprise.”
“The cruel and inhumane realities of dogfighting are closely linked to illegal drugs, firearms and other serious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our office will use every available resource alongside our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to dismantle dog fighting organizations and bring those responsible to justice. I am grateful to the concerned citizen who reported the abused dogs, whose tip ended a long-standing criminal operation gravely harming animals and the entire community.”
“This case demonstrates the good results achieved when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate to rescue dogs suffering at the hands of those involved in dog fighting and related crimes,” said U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn for the Middle District of Georgia. “The U.S. Marshals remain committed to supporting law enforcement in bringing those responsible for dog fighting to justice and ensuring that rescued canines are placed in protective custody, giving them a chance at a better life.”
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) appreciates the collaboration with our law enforcement partners and the prosecutors in this case,” said USDA OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Miles Davis. “USDA OIG is committed to investigating individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare. We thank the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mitchell County, Georgia, Sheriff’s office and Code Enforcement Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Middle District of Georgia, and the Environment and Natural Resources Division for their partnership with us on this impactful investigation.”
According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, the Mitchell County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement Office responded to a citizen complaint of animal tethering and neglect at a 17-acre property owned by Bradford in Sale City. Officers saw many pit bull type dogs on heavy chains outside the residence, with some exhibiting aggression toward one another. Agents and animal experts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) were called and search warrants were obtained and executed on the property.
Agents rescued 67 dogs on chains, many without food, water, or shelter. Many of the dogs had recent injuries and scars consistent with dog fighting, including one with severe, recent fighting wounds. A shed on the property held a large amount of dog fighting equipment such as veterinary drugs and devices; anabolic horse steroids; a “breeding stand” used to forcibly breed dogs; training and execution items; and paper pedigrees documenting the fighting history of the dogs.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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