Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A man from Hanson was arrested on Friday for allegedly owning dogs in his home for the purposes of dogfighting, according to an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. The man was identified as John Murphy, 50, and was indicted on nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture and has been found to be in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Murphy appeared in Boston federal court around 11 a.m. on Friday morning.
According to the official indictment, Murphy had owned several items that he had used to equip the animals to participate in the alleged dogfighting such as intravenous infusion equipment, syringes, antibiotics, dog training and fighting literature, and a treadmill to train dogs, among other items.
Read More: Driver With Suspended License Allegedly Causes School Bus Crash In Barre
According to the civil forfeiture complaint, Murphy had allegedly communicated with other dogfighters via Facebook groups where he would discuss the results of other dogfights amongst other dogfighters and would also share fight results, along with buying and selling fighting dogs as well.
Owning animals for fighting each provide a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok