Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Carver, Massachusetts man was arrested and charged on Apr. 2 in connection with an alleged multi-year dogfighting conspiracy that involved breeding, training, and fighting dogs, as well as related animal cruelty and illegal gambling activities.
Corey Elliott, age 49, faces charges of conspiring to participate in an animal fighting venture in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Authorities said Elliott was taken into custody in the morning and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at 3:30 p.m.
Charging documents allege that Elliott participated for several years in a dogfighting operation known at times as "The No Name Gang," where he and a co-conspirator bred, trained, fought dogs for sport and profit. The documents also state that they communicated extensively about arranging fights, discussing outcomes, placing wagers, acquiring dogs for fighting purposes, and concealing evidence of their activities.
Investigators say Elliott organized and hosted events at his Carver residence. He allegedly constructed pits and kennel structures designed for dogfighting purposes. Additional allegations include acts of animal cruelty such as training dogs to fight violently or culling those not meeting performance standards.
Authorities report efforts by Elliott and his co-conspirator to avoid law enforcement detection through coded language, hiding animals from public view, advising each other on avoiding scrutiny from authorities or relocating animals to prevent seizure. In June 2023 searches at the co-conspirator’s home resulted in the seizure of multiple pit bull-type dogs along with equipment associated with dogfighting; electronic devices seized revealed videos and communications related to these activities. A search at Elliott's home in June 2025 led to more pit bull-type dogs being found with scarring consistent with fighting.
Officials encourage anyone aware of animal fighting crimes to contact local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or call 1-800-424-9121.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and up to $250,000 fine if convicted; sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the arrest along with officials from multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General Northeast Region; Massachusetts State Police; Animal Rescue League of Boston – Law Enforcement Division; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S Customs & Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; U.S Coast Guard Investigative Service; United States Marshals Service; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as well as several local police departments.
