A Massachusetts man, John D. Murphy, 51, of Hanson, pleaded guilty Wednesday to nine counts of possessing dogs for use in dogfighting, a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
He was indicted in March by a federal grand jury.
“Dogfighting is a cruel and sadistic crime,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This case highlights the dedication of investigators and prosecutors to holding offenders accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts emphasized the severity of Murphy’s actions, describing them as “calculated cruelty and inhumanity” and noted this as the first federal case of its kind in Massachusetts.
He urged the public to report any instances of animal fighting or abuse.
Murphy faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for each of the nine charges.
Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27.
According to federal prosecutors, Murphy was identified discussing dogfighting on recorded calls in 2021 with a New York-based dogfighting suspect, The Patriot Ledger reported.
A search of his Facebook accounts revealed Murphy’s yearslong involvement in dogfighting, during which time he communicated with other dogfighters via Facebook, Ledger reported.
Murphy’s involvement in dogfighting was uncovered in 2021 through recorded conversations and his Facebook activity, which revealed years of participation in the illegal practice, according to officials.
Investigators found photos and videos showing injured dogs and uncovered evidence of dogfighting materials during a June 2023 search of his Hanson home.
In a related civil case, 13 pit bull-type dogs were seized from Murphy’s residence and another location in Townsend, Massachusetts.
These animals, determined to be used for dogfighting, have since been forfeited to the United States and are under the care of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Massachusetts State Police, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, among others.
To report animal fighting crimes, contact local law enforcement or the USDA Inspector General hotline at usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.