Former NFL Player Convicted of Dogfighting, Faces up to 5 Years in Prison
A federal jury convicted LeShon Johnson, a former NFL player, on six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against dogfighting. Johnson, a former running back for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants, bred and trafficked "grand champion" dogs and their offspring for dogfighting. The conviction recalls the 2007 federal case against Michael Vick, who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy involving dogfighting.
Key Takeaways:
- LeShon Johnson, a former NFL player, was convicted of six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against dogfighting.
- Johnson bred and trafficked "grand champion" dogs and their offspring for dogfighting, with 190 dogs seized from his operation, the largest number ever seized from a single person in a federal dogfighting case.
- Johnson faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
- He was acquitted on 17 counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture, and was previously convicted of a state crime related to dogfighting in 2004.
- Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but over 40,000 people participate in enterprises that breed, condition, and train dogs for fighting.
Statistics:
- 190 dogs were seized from Johnson's operation, the largest number ever seized from a single person in a federal dogfighting case.
- Johnson faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
- Over 40,000 people participate in enterprises that breed, condition, and train dogs for fighting in the United States.
- 17 counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture were dropped against Johnson.
Sources:
- United States Department of Justice
- CNN
- Humane Society of the United States
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)