Dog-fighting - 27 dogs seized
North Branch, MN (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Sep 11, 2008
County: Isanti

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Troy John Lieffring
» Theresa Carol Schwartz

A rural North Branch man, suspected of running a dog fighting operation, learned Saturday, Nov. 29 that "the long arm of the law" is more than just an expression.

Troy John Lieffring, 37, has been a fugitive from justice in Isanti County since he failed to make a Nov. 13 court appearance on felony animal cruelty charges and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest..

It was apparently a routine traffic stop in Florida that led to his arrest after a records check turned up the outstanding warrant in Isanti County.

County law enforcement and the Minnesota Humane Society executed a search warrant at his Abby Road N.E. residence Sept. 11 and confiscated 26 pit bulls, one bull dog, and miscellaneous items commonly associated with dog fighting.

The animals were particularly aggressive, according to the criminal complaint lodged against Lieffring and co-owner of the dogs, Teresa Carol Schwartz, 34, and required sedation to transport.

The majority of the animals were in poor physical condition as evidenced by past and present lacerations and scars, poor coats, enamel abrasions on their teeth and were underweight.

In the opinion of Humane Society Investigator Keith Streff, the animals had been maintained by the owners in a pattern of culpable negligence that resulted in infection, pain and suffering and that the injuries and wounds on some of the dogs were the result of "malicious intent and/or lack of professional treatment."

Both Lieffring and Schwartz were charged with one felony count of animal cruelty-fight, use train or possess animals for that purpose and two gross misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Schwartz is scheduled to make her first appearance in district court Dec. 10.

Isanti County Attorney Jeff Edblad started the extradition process Nov. 29 to return Lieffring to Minnesota for prosecution.

References

• Isanti County News - Dec 2, 2008

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