MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a dogfighter from Westbury was sentenced today to six months in jail and a 10-year ban on owning animals after seven pit bulls were found with bite and puncture wounds all over their bodies.
Jessie Jones, 64, of Westbury, pled guilty on August 1 before Judge Anthony Paradiso to Prohibition of Animal Fighting (an A misdemeanor) and Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance (an A misdemeanor).
“Dogfighting is a sickening blood sport that causes horrific pain and injuries to innocent animals and places an incredible burden on local animal shelters, rescue groups and taxpayers,” DA Singas said. “My office will continue to work tirelessly on animal crimes cases because we know when people abuse animals, they are more likely to hurt other people. I thank the ASPCA for their partnership.”
“Despite being a felony in all 50 states, dogfighting continues to be a popular underground activity and, sadly, is more prevalent than many people realize,” said Elizabeth Brandler, Senior Counsel for ASPCA Legal Advocacy. “The ASPCA is pleased to be in a position where we can support local agencies in their efforts to tackle dogfighting in their communities, and we commend the work of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for pursuing this case and holding those involved responsible for their role in this heinous form of abuse.”
DA Singas said on April 19, 2019, NCDA Detective Investigators visited the defendant’s Westbury home after receiving information that dogfighting was taking place on the premises. While in the backyard, they found two pit bulls with open and raw wounds throughout their bodies and heavy industrial boat chains around their necks.
Following the execution of a search warrant, detectives found five additional unlicensed pit bulls, including two puppies, restrained by industrial boat chains with old and fresh bite and puncture wounds on their faces, bodies and legs.
Detectives also discovered dog fighting paraphernalia, including a treadmill with paw prints on it, a break stick, spring pole and antibiotics to treat the dogs’ wounds.
The defendant was arrested on April 30 by NCDA Detective Investigators.
Following a behavioral and forensic analysis by the ASPCA, four of the pit bulls were adopted. One dog, Dizzy, a one-and-a-half-year-old male pit bull is still waiting for his forever home.
Dizzy’s photo is attached. If you’re interested in adopting him, please email dizzyforadoption@gmail.com.
Assistant District Attorney Brooke Salvatore of DA Singas’ Animal Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case. Raymond Baierlein, Esq. represents the defendant.
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