John D. Murphy, Possessing Animals for Use in an Animal Fighting Venture, Massachusetts 2025

HANSON, MA – John D. Murphy, of Hanson, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison for his sickening involvement in the world of dog fighting. The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture, a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. The sentence includes a final three months of community confinement, followed by three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine.

Federal investigators began building a case against Murphy after intercepting recorded calls discussing the brutal “sport.” A subsequent deep dive into his Facebook accounts revealed a long history of involvement in dog fighting, painting a disturbing picture of calculated cruelty. In June 2023, armed with a federal search warrant, law enforcement descended upon Murphy’s Hanson residence, uncovering a clandestine operation dedicated to breeding, training, and forcing dogs to fight.

The search yielded a disturbing array of evidence: specialized breeding equipment, rigorous training devices, and literature detailing dog fighting techniques. Investigators also seized veterinary supplies and medications, suggesting Murphy wasn’t just profiting from the fights but actively attempting to keep his fighting dogs alive – solely to inflict further suffering. Photos released by the USDA-OIG show dogs running on treadmills in Murphy’s basement and the chilling array of break sticks and other paraphernalia used to separate the animals during fights.

“Dog fighting is a brutal and inhumane form of entertainment and is associated with other organized criminal activity, including illegal gambling,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to holding violators accountable.” U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts echoed the sentiment, calling the operation “deeply disturbing” and highlighting the sentence as a “historic moment” – the first federal dog fighting conviction in Massachusetts.

“For years, Mr. Murphy brutalized defenseless animals for profit and sport – training them to fight, suffer and die for his own financial gain,” Foley added. “This sentencing serves as a stark warning: those who engage in this barbaric practice will be exposed, prosecuted and punished. We will not tolerate animal cruelty in our communities.” Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of Inspector General emphasized the agency’s commitment to pursuing individuals involved in animal fighting.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the USDA-OIG, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, USMS, Maine State Police, and New Hampshire State Police. Anyone with information regarding animal fighting is urged to contact local law enforcement or the USDA’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

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