A Massachusetts resident, John D. Murphy, 51, from Hanson, has pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in a dogfighting venture. This is a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Murphy was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this year in March.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division commented on the case: “Dogfighting is a sadistic crime which subjects animals to cruel mistreatment for entertainment. We commend the investigators and prosecutors who worked collaboratively to bring this case to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts added, “Mr. Murphy’s actions represent the calculated cruelty and inhumanity that dogfighting embodies – a barbaric practice that exploits and harms animals for entertainment and profit. Today’s conviction brings an end to Mr. Murphy’s reign of brutality and sends a clear message: dogfighting is a federal crime, and those who engage in this inhumane conduct will face justice.” He also noted that this case marks the first time federal criminal charges have been brought under the Animal Welfare Act in Massachusetts.
Murphy's involvement with dogfighting came to light when he was identified discussing it on recorded calls with another target based in New York back in 2021. A search of his Facebook accounts revealed his long-term involvement with dogfighting activities, including communication with other participants through private groups on the platform.
During a search at Murphy's residence in Hanson conducted in June 2023, authorities found various items related to breeding, training, medical supplies, and materials used for dogfighting ventures.
The United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against 13 pit bull-type dogs seized from Murphy's home and another location in Townsend, Massachusetts. These dogs were intended for participation in animal fighting ventures. The court ordered all dogs be forfeited to the United States; they are currently under the care of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sentencing has been scheduled by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young for February 27, 2025. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Authorities encourage anyone aware of animal fighting crimes to report them either locally or through the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General hotline at usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.
The investigation was led by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies across several states including Massachusetts State Police and Homeland Security Investigations among others.
Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris along with Assistant U.S Attorneys Danial E Bennett and Kaitlin J Brown are handling prosecution duties for this case while Carol E Head oversees asset recovery proceedings related to it.
