The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Memphis Police Department for Tuesday afternoon's successful dogfighting bust of a Memphis, Tenn., residence. Authorities arrested Donzell Marshall and seized 14 pit bulls along with dogfighting paraphernalia from his property. The bust occurred as a result of a dogfighting tip called into the HSUS animal fighting hotline operated by Atlanta-based security firm Norred & Associates Inc.
Marshall was charged with dogfighting and animal cruelty. In Tennessee, dogfighting is a Class E Felony, punishable by 1-6 years of prison and/or a maximum $3,000 fine. This is Marshall's second animal cruelty charge. If he is convicted for animal cruelty he will face felony-level penalties under Tennessee's two-strike animal cruelty law.
The Humane Society of the United States offers up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting. The hotline that the tip was called into, 877-TIP-HSUS (847-4787), was launched January 10th.
"Dogfighting is a cruel and reprehensible activity," said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The HSUS. "The Memphis Police Department acted in exemplary fashion by taking action against what clearly appears to be a significant and illegal dogfighting operation."
Authorities found dogfighting paraphernalia on the property, including two treadmills modified to increase the dogs' endurance, steroids used for conditioning, and intravenous fluids and medications used for treatment.
About Dogfighting:
- Dogfighting is a highly-organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
- The HSUS estimates that 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters.
- A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65 percent of people charged with animal abuse crimes — including dogfighting — were also charged with violent crimes against people.
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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.
