Mass. man gets more than a year in jail on dogfighting charges

John D. Murphy, a resident of Hanson, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for his involvement in dogfighting, with the last three months to be served in community confinement. He faces three years of supervision upon release and was fined $10,000, alongside a prohibition on owning pitbull-type dogs. Murphy pled guilty to nine counts of animal possession for fighting under the Animal Welfare Act, following a federal grand jury indictment. U.

S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned his actions as brutal and financially motivated, emphasizing the historic nature of this conviction in Massachusetts. Authorities found nine pitbulls at Murphy's residence, several with scarring indicative of dogfighting, along with related materials. His criminal activities were uncovered after he discussed dogfighting in recorded calls and social media messages dating back to 2021.

This case underscores the authorities' commitment to prosecuting animal cruelty and serves as a warning to others involved in dogfighting. The U. S. government also filed a civil complaint to seize the dogs owned by Murphy and another participant.