Dog-fighting - Richmond, VA

Thursday, Aug 16, 2001

County: Richmond City

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Michael Washington

Michael Washington, a major figure in Central Virginia animal fighting ring, was found guilty of obstruction of justice August 16th by Judge D. E. Cheek. He received a 12 month suspended sentence and a $250 fine. 

Washington's attorney, David Gammino, argued that Pit Bulls, instinctively are fighters, and that his client did nothing more than provide the dogs with that opportunity.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Michelle Welch, countered that this was not only a misconception, but that Washington had subjected his dogs to cruelty as a method of inducing aggressive behavior. Three of the four dogs confiscated from the bloody crime scene last year had to be euthanized. A fourth dog, Angel, is in the care of Angel Dogs, a humane society affiliated with SOS. She is awaiting placement into a permanent home and can be found on the SOS adoption web page. Welch also noted that the confiscated dogs had been starved, and their ears had been cut off by Washington, a common practice of dog fighters.

Judge Barry, in ordering the stiff sentence, said several factors weighed into his decision, including the fact that Washington was found guilty of threatening a witness in this case, and, that he had a criminal history for which he had not received substantial time.

Washington plead quilty to dog fighting charges in August. He was also found guilty of threatening a key witness in that case. Washington will serve one year in jail for the dog fighting conviction and another year for animal cruelty. Because he plead guilty, Washington is ineligible for appeal.

References

• SaveOurShelters

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