Pima County Sheriff’s Department Busts Massive Dogfighting Ring

February 19, 2008

11-Month Investigation with The HSUS Leads to Raid, Detainment of Two Men Alleged to be Leading Dogfighters

TUCSON, Ariz. — After an 11-month investigation into an alleged national dogfighting ring, the Pima County Sheriff's Department and The Humane Society of the United States raided four properties this morning. Pima County Animal Care Center seized about 150 dogs, some bearing scars consistent with animal fighting. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona helped in the execution of the raid. Nine people were detained; three of the nine were arrested. Among the nine are two men alleged to be nationally recognized figures in the multi-million dollar world of criminal dogfighting. 

"We applaud the Pima County Sheriff's Department for taking on this alleged dogfighting ring," said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The HSUS. "People who profit from the suffering of animals should pay a heavy price for their crimes."

"Dogfighting is a terribly inhumane and damaging activity that has no place in our community," said Dawn Henke, public information officer for the Pima County Sheriff's Department

Mahlon Patrick and T.L. Williams are reportedly two of the most influential individuals in the underground dogfighting circuit. Mahlon Patrick has allegedly been a celebrity within animal fighting circles since the late 1960s and is the architect of several pit bull bloodlines that are cherished by dogfighters. T.L. Williams, who has escaped prosecution in the past, operates a large dog registry that is used by animal fighters nationwide.

One of the properties housed what appeared to be a breeding kennel and had a trailer containing 50 guns. Also seized at the properties were tools commonly used in hard-core dogfighting operations. These include treadmills specifically modified to exercise the dogs to exhaustion, injectable substances and break sticks used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle.

"Since the Michael Vick case, the number of dogfighting busts has tripled nationwide," said Goodwin. "Here in Arizona, law enforcement agencies are taking a bite out of these cruel and degrading spectacles."

Animal fighting is a multi-million dollar criminal industry that affects hundreds of thousands of dogs nationwide. The HSUS estimates that more than 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting, and the group has undercover investigators who work to root out dogfights and the crimes associated with them.

-30-

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.