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.”
