A man from Sale City, Georgia, has been sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release for exploiting dozens of dogs in a long-running dog-fighting operation, as well as for offenses involving illegal drugs and firearms, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
In December, Dun Terrius Bradford — described by the Justice Department as a “well-known dog-fighting breeder and trainer” — was convicted of 67 counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture, one count of manufacturing and possessing cocaine base with intent to distribute it, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of those crimes.
Court documents and statements cited during the trial describe how authorities responded to Bradford’s rural property in southwest Georgia following a citizen’s complaint about animal tethering and neglect. Outside the residence, officers observed numerous pit bull-type dogs restrained by heavy chains, including some displaying aggression toward one another.
Authorities then obtained and executed search warrants, exposing the horrifying extent of the cruelty inflicted on the dogs.
Their suffering was evident in both their living conditions and bodies: Many lacked food, water, or shelter, while fresh injuries and scars associated with fighting were widespread, with one dog bearing particularly severe wounds.
Investigators also discovered bloodied treadmills altered to keep dogs in place during training, horse steroids, a “breeding stand” that restrained female dogs, a cattle shock prod bearing dog DNA, and a large tank built from cinder blocks in which dogs were forced to tread water to avoid drowning.
In total, agents rescued 67 dogs from Bradford’s property.
No sentence can undo the suffering these innocent dogs endured, but this outcome sends a clear message that those who engage in dog fighting can face serious legal consequences. Lady Freethinker commends everyone who helped rescue the dogs and bring this cruel operation to an end, and hopes each dog receives the care, safety, and love they deserve.
