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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Philly dog fighter gets prison time

Almost a week after the Eagles announced they had signed America's best known convicted dog fighter, a Philadelphia man learned he will get prison time for dog fighting.

On Wednesday Common Pleas Court Judge Roger Gordon convicted Anthony Clark on two counts of felony animal fighting for his role in a Philadelphia dog-fighting ring. Clark was also convicted on three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and a felony drug charge of possession with intent to deliver.

He was sentenced to a total of four to eight years in prison: a mandatory three to six years for the drug charge followed by one to two years for the dog fighting case.

The conviction ends one of hundreds of dog fighting cases reported in the city each year - and the numbers are increasing, said the Pennsylvania SPCA. On January 20, the PSPCA joined Philadelphia police when Clark was arrested on drug charges. Two puppies and three adult pit bull mixes were found in the basement of the house where Clark lived; one dog had extensive bite wounds and needed immediate surgery, which was performed by PSPCA. Another dog died shortly after Clark’s arrest from nerve damage in his leg, that resulted from living in a cage that was too small for him.

“We agree with the judge's decision to convict this defendant and sentence him to prison,” said Assistant District Attorney Barbara Paul. “The evidence shows clearly how these animals suffered, and we are satisfied that justice was done.”

“We applaud both Judge Gordon and Assistant District Attorney Paul for their commitment to justice for the animals involved in this case,” said Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Sue Cosby. “Our statistics for animal fighting are on the increase – from approximately 200 cases in all of 2008 to 400 so far this year. We are proud of the work our officers do to fight cruelty, neglect and abuse in the city of Philadelphia and beyond, every single day.”

In addition to the sentence, Clark was ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to the PSPCA for the veterinary care of the dogs.

 

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 1:48 PM  Permalink | 10 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:37 PM, 08/23/2009
    Let us up the effort to totally eradicate this criminal behavior. It can be done if public interest is heightened. The acquisition of Michael Vick may assist the effort through awareness and shared public opinion. The effort must be in concert with the rise in public awareness otherwise the probability to succeed will likely fall in defeat. Therefore, the City Council, Mayor Nutter, and designated enforcement entity must up its efforts against dog fighting in order to eradicate this immoral and criminal behavior.
    — maximus
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:35 PM, 08/23/2009
    Wow...look at the hundreds of comments from the outraged public!!
    — mlr710
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:59 PM, 08/23/2009
    When he gets out will Lutie and reid find him a job in the Eagles organization now that it has become a Halfway House for dog torturers?
    — atp2007
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:22 PM, 08/23/2009
    Ban pit bulls. And yes, I'm afraid of them.
    — MsLou
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:14 AM, 08/24/2009
    This heinous treatment of dogs has to be stopped. This country should be above this type of behavior. No matter where you were raised, this is totally unexceptable behavior for grown men to participate in. I, to, beleive Michael Vick should use some of that over he top salary he is earning and use it to educate young people that parading a dog around on a heavy chain is not a sign of manhood. Have his money pay for programs to teach people to appreicate dogs as loyal companions not bloody fighting machines. The whole odea of dog fighting is sick and disgusting.
    — bavachon
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:00 PM, 08/24/2009
    MsLou - you are allowed to be afraid of them but your ignorant attitude is just wrong. I'm afraid of ignorance, can I ban you?
    — scargosun
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:58 PM, 09/22/2010
    May this Scumbag spend a long,loong and unhappy time behind bars where he belongs also I hope he finds a Lover there as well.
    — rosks304
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:58 PM, 09/22/2010
    May this Scumbag spend a long,loong and unhappy time behind bars where he belongs also I hope he finds a Lover there as well.
    — rosks304


10 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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