CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #11437 Rating: 2.0 out of 5
Dog-fighting - 40 dogs seized
Indianapolis, IN (US)Incident Date: Saturday, Jun 1, 2002
County: Marion
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Michael Burghy
June 1, 2002, Animal Care and Control officers were dispatched to Burghy's residence on a report of animal cruelty and found 40 dogs on the property, as well as the carcasses of three puppies that had been incinerated in a trash barrel.
The animals were kept in feces-filled kennels or on short, heavy chains and had inadequate food and water. Many of the animals were scarred from previous fights and some had fresh injuries.
Animal Care and Control officers found a dog fighting ring in the basement and blood on the basement walls.
Burghy was charged with numerous ordinance violations, including 40 violations of the care and treatment requirements, failure to have rabies vaccinations, dog fighting and failure to properly dispose of dead animals.
During the trial, the City presented evidence of Burghy's cruel treatment of his dogs, including cutting off their ears and forcing them to run on a treadmill.
Judge Michael Keele's ruling favored the City on all counts.
Burghy lost his right to own animals and to operate a kennel on his property and was ordered to pay an $8,000 fine.
Animal Control Officers will routinely check Burghy's property to ensure he is complying with the court order. References
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