Bronx Dogfight Trial Begins

One year, five months and more than a half dozen hearings later, four out of eight men involved in a dogfighting ring in Bronx, New York, will be tried before a court of law. The trial will commence in Room 210 of the Bronx Criminal Courthouse on Monday, November 16, 2009.

Last June, police arrested eight men from the Bronx and New Jersey, including suspected ringleader Alexander Estephane, who lives in the building where the bust took place.

The other defendants in the case who will stand trial along with Estephane are Lauritz Acoy, Juan Toledo, and Alterik Mason. Two other suspects, Rashaan Johnson and Israel Cuevas have been repeated no-shows to all the hearings and will subsequently be tried separately, while suspects Eric A. Boyce and Darnell Walker were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Estephane, Toldeo and Acoy have received felony charges for dogfighting while Mason has a misdemeanor charge as a spectator. All four defendants have no chance at a plea deal. If proven guilty in a court of law, they will subsequently be charged with the maximum crimes.

However, when it comes to dogfighting penalties, New York State ranks 48 out of 50, and is therefore considered one of the most lax on its dogfighting laws.

- Dogfighting: Felony, maximum of 4 years and a $25,000 fine

- Spectator at a dogfight: Misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year and a $1,000 fine

- Possession of dogs for fighting: Maximum of 1 year and a $15,000 fine

"Being that New York State's dogfighting laws are among the worst in the country, unfortunately, I think these heinous crimes will only continue," said Jennifer Panton, President of New York City-based United Action for Animals.

In response to the Bronx dogfighting bust, United Action for Animals formed an Anti-Animal Fighting Campaign and has been key in bringing the Bronx dogfighting bust to the attention of New Yorker's.

"I think in New York City there's this common misconception that dogfighting only takes place in rural areas, but it doesn't," said Panton. "It happens right here in our backyards and basements, too."

Panton has organized and lead two peaceful protests outside the Bronx Criminal Courthouse and can also be credited with presenting Judge Steven Barrett and Assistant District Attorney Jacob Kaplan with a petition that has nearly 1,800 signatures requesting that the defendants receive the maximum punishment allowed by law.

The upcoming trial on November 16th is an important date for New York City and for dogs. The trial is open to the public, so please come out and join United Action for Animals in support of the voiceless victims.

 

Follow Reedu Taha on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Reedu

Comments

[Apt17A]

If a politician campaigned with a pledge to improve the dog fighting laws of this state, I imagine that almost everyone would support that. It's incredible that New York is so far behind in this area. Thanks for writing this article, Reedu, and thanks to UAA for doing the important work that they're do!

[S1m0n]

"All four defendants have no chance at a plea deal. If proven guilty in a court of law, they will subsequently be charged with the maximum crimes."

What's this supposed to mean? If they've been tried for one crime, charging them with another for the same event is double jeopardy.

[Greensleeves]

Let these perps go to jail and experience what its like to fight for your life.It's time society stood up for those who have too few genuine advocates-like Ua4a and Jennifer Panton. Judge Barrett and ADA Kaplan are pursuing the path to justice.New York will be a better place when the hammer comes down.Imagine that-New York is less civilized than Louisiana!!

[ams5070]

Thank you Reedu for this article! Hopefully the more aware New Yorkers become on this issue, there will be a greater chance of an increase in penalties for dog fighting... it would be interesting to know how much these guys make during these fights - because I'm guessing they probably win back that $1,000 spectating fine pretty quick... which is sad and sickening. Thank you United Action for Animals for all of your hard work and for keeping people informed! Please keep this topic top of mind for Americans!

[katesims]

Thank you so much, Reedu, for covering this awful story! People think that since Vick went to jail all is well related to dog fighting in the US. Nothing has changed beside educating the average jo about these horrible crimes... the fighters have just gone more underground. And thank you United Action for Animals for stepping up for the animals! The ASPCA should be doing more to combat dog fighting in NYC as they are based there and receive loads of money due to their cruelty ads....shame on them!

[willtown71]

Go UAA! These Bronx Dogfighters should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!

[amk363]

New York is 48th in dog fighting penalties? Unbelievable. Throw the book at these creeps.

[SusyCav]

It's amazing that as progressive as NYC can seem we are so outdated when it comes to dog fighting laws. Dog fighting is always connected to violence, guns and drugs - let alone that it is illegal on it's own - the city needs to offer more support with manpower and legislation to rid our beautiful city of this barbaric "sport". Come on NYC, we are better than this!

[treasuredk9s]

It is absolutely astonishing that NY is almost last in the nation when it comes to dog fighting penalties and yet NJ ranks no.1. This alone should send a message to Albany that penalties need to be increased. Dog fighting is a serious crime, as it often is associated with other illegal activities. Thanks to UAA for following this trial and bringing awareness to this issue.