The HSUS Assists New York State Police in Arrests of Suspected Dogfighting Ring

April 25, 2003

FLANDERS, N.J. – The reputed publisher of Sporting Dog Journal, a magazine serving the interests of the dogfighting industry, has been arrested on animal fighting charges in New York as part of an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation, in which The HSUS had a significant role.

On April 23, the New York State Police, accompanied by agents with the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and a team of animal handlers assembled by The HSUS, executed a search warrant on the premises of James “Jay” Fricchione in Westtown, NY.

The Sporting Dog Journal is an underground magazine that networks known and suspected dog fighters (as well as serving as a rich resource for leads on illegal dogfighting activities). Fricchione himself is alleged to have maintained on his premises dogs used for fighting.

Samantha Mullen, program coordinator for The HSUS Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, assembled the team, which included Sandy Christiansen, an experienced animal-fighting investigator with The HSUS Southeast Regional Office who helped authorities in gathering evidence.

“Because Sporting Dog Journal is a critical resource for illegal dogfighters virtually everywhere, I believe it would be difficult to overstate the importance of this multi-jurisdictional series of well-coordinated actions by the New York State Police and other law enforcement authorities,” Mullen said.

Eric Sakach, director of The HSUS West Coast Regional Office, one of the organization’s experts on illegal animal fighting, agrees. “The wealth of intelligence garnered during these investigations could potentially facilitate the capture of hundreds of additional individuals throughout the country who are engaged in illegal dogfighting and associated crimes,” Sakach stated.

Primary evidence in support of the dogfighting allegations in this case were 17 adult pit bulls and one puppy found on the property. The majority of the dogs exhibited overt signs of physical injuries consistent with those sustained in dog fights. All were removed by the team and secured in safe locations in various parts of the state. Police also seized equipment commonly used to condition dogs for fighting as well as fighting paraphernalia.

The action that occurred at Fricchione’s Westtown property was the culmination of an eight month-long undercover investigation, which also led authorities to suspected dogfighters in states beyond New York. As the search warrant was served on Fricchione, simultaneous warrants were being executed on suspected dogfighters in Virginia and Georgia. The Georgia phase of the investigation resulted in a search warrant served on Jack Kelly, the purported former publisher of Sporting Dog Journal.

Fricchione was arrested and taken to Orange County jail, where he was held but since has posted his bail of $10,000. He has been charged with numerous felonies under the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law related to animal fighting. Additional charges are related to criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and federal law includes provisions against transporting dogs across state lines for fighting purposes. On May 14, a similar provision on interstate commerce of fighting roosters takes effect. Proposed legislation would raise penalties for violations of federal animal fighting laws to two years in prison. A dozen states are considering stronger laws against animal fighting because of the difficulties associated with enforcing anti-animal fighting laws.

“It’s gratifying to see that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking an active role in combating animal fighting,” said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS’ senior vice president for communications and government affairs. “Combined federal, state, and private partnerships are essential to cracking down on this blood sport. The opening salvo in this investigation should serve as a wake up call to animal fighters across the country.”

See the Video

HSUS Undercover: Inside Animal Fighting

Related Links

Dogfighting Fact Sheet