Bronx Dog Fighter Sentenced to Hard Time

Monday, February 11, 2013 - 3:30pm
Bronx Dog Fighter Sentenced to Hard Time

The dogs rescued from a Bronx dog fighter’s basement last year are finally getting justice. Raul Sanchez, who pleaded guilty to dog fighting a few weeks ago, is now heading to prison.

Last week a judge sentenced Sanchez to one to three years for animal fighting, one year for animal cruelty and one year for criminal possession of a weapon. (Sanchez will serve these sentences concurrently.)

He’s also been slapped with a ban on keeping animals for the duration of his parole. Sanchez waived his right to appeal.

We hope Sanchez’s sentence serves as a reminder to dog fighters that their crimes against innocent animals carry serious consequences.

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty
Dog Fighting
NYC

Comments

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:15 — Amneris (Visitor)
I'm sorry but he will probably meet more inhuman dog fighting ring leaders in prison and will come out to continue harming these poor dogs. He should of gotten a minimum of 10 years.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:15 — Lee Rowan (Visitor)
I'd say life without parole.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:16 — Sheila Simpson (Visitor)
This is a start but the sentence is not nearly enough! He should have received at least five years for each animal he abused and held in that building to be served consecutively and in chains; you know, like he chained those precious dogs! Make an example of the scum and maybe the next low life will think twice!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:16 — Brad (Visitor)
Good to see something is starting to happen but the sentence should be in a labour camp working 12-14 hours a day for the duration of his sentence. wITH A SENTENCE LIKE THAT IT MIGHT WORK OR JUST SEND THEM TO ME I WILL FIX THE PROBLEM!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:16 — derbbi (Visitor)
I am glad he is getting some prison time but I think they really need to start mamming these criminals like take a hand or foot that might deture them a little and we wouldnt have soooo many repeat offenders which the hard working people have to pay to feed ,house, wash etc...

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:16 — Sheryl Ferguson (Visitor)
Take him to the vet's to get neutered!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:17 — Pamela (Visitor)
I agree with the first comment, not nearly enough time for this idot to serve, i belive that when a person is caught-up with dog/cock fighting and any kind of abuse of animals, that person should serve without parole at least 5 years. that should be the standard sentencing for any kind of animals abuse.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:17 — Pamalah MacNeily (Visitor)
This is nothing. What kind of fine? Who was he working with?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:17 — Dominique (Visitor)
These sentences never seem harsh enough. To serve them concurrently, it's even more of a break for him. And wahoo..he can't have animals while on parolee. How about at LEAST extending that to the duration of his life? I do not understand.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:17 — grace & faith's mom (Visitor)
He should have gotten a life sentence 4 each life that was taken or drastically changed. Those who care 4 God's creatures will truely be blessed!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:18 — Bob Beatty (Visitor)
Like everyone else, I can' believe he got off so light. If I were the judge, I'd sentence him to a year for each dog he had, 50 years minimum with no chance of parole. Now that would send a message for sure.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:18 — Judy Gibson (Visitor)
I hope everything and more happens to him in prison that he did to these innocent animals. He deserved a lot more time in prison. I hope they will change the laws that are now in place and make the time fit with the crime.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:19 — sheri perez (Visitor)
Well, the sentence is better than what some get; but this tragic crime REALLY deserves more time. And, anyone convicted in ANY type of animal cruelty/neglect should NEVER be allowed to have another pet. We need to keep working towawrds tougher laws...but this is progress.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:19 — Hazel (Visitor)
2 years is not enough time. Was he fined? Is he put on a list where he can NEVER have any animal ever? This guy is an animal if you ask me, he deserves more time !

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:19 — Trudy Stevens (Visitor)
The dogs' are effected by this cruelty forever. The sentence is way too light. Sanchez should spend a mandatory 10 years in prison and should be banned from owning or fostering a pet for life.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:19 — Stefania (Visitor)
Yes, it's a start. Too bad the judge decided for concurrent sentences and not consecutive ones. That would have made more sense and this person would have remained in jail longer.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:20 — Sharon Schranz (Visitor)
Why even bother of assigning a sentence of one year for each of the 2 additional charges if they are being served concurrently. He is guilty of the additional charges, therefore he should serve time on those charges seperately, NOT CONCURRENTLY. At least he was convicted & sentenced, however, NOT nearly a long enough sentence. He should have a sentence of 5 years alone on the dog fighting charge.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:20 — yolanda figueroa (Visitor)
I'm elated that justice has a face and name...I'm looking forward for more to be caught, I'm for the rights of animals and I have no problem doing what is right for the cause of animals, I'm a voice for the voiceless!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:20 — Karen Smith (Visitor)
I also think that a person is convicted of such a horendous crime like dog fighting, they should be banned for life from having any animals, and monitored to make sure they don't. We also need to fight for tougher laws and longer sentences for these despicable people who use animals in this way. Write letters, speak up!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:20 — Helana Meisters (Visitor)
He needs to be in jail longer than that. Seems to me that all he got was a slap on the wrist!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:20 — Buster's Moma (Visitor)
He is getting off easy! They should tie him to a tree and pour blood all over him and get a starving animal to eat him alive!! Slowly!!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:21 — Lou Spradling (Visitor)
He should be happy I was not the Judge! We need MORE Judges like this. LS

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:22 — Alison Fisher (Visitor)
I am happy to see that he was found quilty and sentanced for both the animal cruelty as the dog fighting and not just the weapons charge. However, like all of us I believe it is just not enough. We are, however, being heard now. There was a time when they just would have received a slap on the wrist.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:22 — mike (Visitor)
he deserves that and more...human garbage!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:22 — Debbie (Visitor)
It is great that he got time in jail, but for them taking 50 helpless, innocent dogs from him...just NOT ENOUGH TIME! These type of scum must receive more punishment for what they have done and put these animals through! These dogs are scarred for life and he got nothing compared to what they suffered and will continue to suffer in fear. Please lets be the voice for those who can't. These dogs did not ask for this life!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:23 — Betty (Visitor)
This sentence was not hard time, he will be out doing it again in about 18 months, what should have been given was a year for every animal cruelty, which was 50 animals, equals 50 years, no time out for good behavior in jail.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:23 — Chirstine (Visitor)
This piece of crap, so-called human being should fry & should get way more time than 1 year in jail...

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:23 — Elaine Cummings (Visitor)
The sentence is pitiful! Are you kidding me? People who run brutal schemes like this are not easily deterred. You have only to recall Michael Vick and Co. to understand how sorry he is (not)! In an apartment basement? Where are the Bronx authorities, the residents, c'mon! Who knew and did not say? The sentence is too short, and he should NEVER be permitted to have a dog or any defenseless pet again.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:24 — Beth Mirsky (Visitor)
Not enough time for his crimes..

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:26 — DREAM15X (Visitor)
This punk deserved much more than that for putting innocent and defenseless animals through the brutality and cruelty he did. What a heartless person.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:26 — cj kronen (Visitor)
Not nearly enough... and serving concurrently. It should be consecutive !!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:27 — Audrey Barberi (Visitor)
Not enough!!! Why is it, with all of the mail I get from the "Humane Society Legislative Fund" that we cannot get better laws to protect these innocent canines?? Wayne Purcel gets a lot of money but I do not see any solid, protective and preventive laws for the canines and felines they are supposed to be protecting.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:30 — dian (Visitor)
not enought time for this creep to serve but its a small start....,we need to do more to protect innocent animals...I am sick of these bad people

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:31 — john michel (Visitor)
Sanchez and people like him who do such heinous activities with animals of any kind should serve long sentences in prison. Will this send a message to other monsters?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:31 — Vicki (Visitor)
If the justice system wants to make a positive difference for those who participate in dog fighting then they need to apply more than just a slap on the hand - how about 20 - 30 years prison time or LIFE!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:31 — Karen (Visitor)
I too agree that more time was deserved,BUT we must remember that the judge must work within the confines of the law and the applicable sentencing guidelines.I believe(someone correct me if any of you know otherwise) that in most states,if not every state,dogs are considered "property",and as such cannot be treated as other than that. That constrains punishment for certain animal crimes,unfortunately.People who foster and sponsor(read Michael Vick) did NOT make a "mistake",but a conscious decision to make money via animal suffering,and that my animal-loving friends is what I call a major character flaw,because greed trumps humanity. And that's what dogfighting is all about.... money. It is totally abhorrent and repugnant. There should be felony laws in EVERY state

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:33 — Karen (Visitor)
that prosecute not only the people who operate dogfighting rings,but apply equal punishment to those who would attend,and thus support them! What kind of sick individual brings a CHILD to these cruel things? Talk about the horror experienced by these children,and then if brought enough times,the eventual desensitization by them to animal cruelty,and so the cycle continues.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:32 — Janet Cooper (Visitor)
One more example of why we need STRONG, TOUGH National Laws to deal with predatory behavior like dog fighting, puppy mills, sale of puppies, dogs, and cats across state lines, known animals abusers, and anyone with a history of abuse, torture, abandonment, and killing of domesticated or wild animals. We MUST hold people like Michael Vick (who seems to have been able to finesse his way out of his conviction for dog fighting and killing and abusing multiple animals)accountable. Being held accountable means that they cannot bargain their way out of punishments for crimes they committed. It looks to me like the sentence for the NYC dog fighting and dog abuser is not even a slap on the wrist. Boo Hoo, he can't have dogs when he is in prison or on parole. Well, he is obviously going to serve about 1 year (if that much) because his sentences are concurrent. What a jerk the judge is! This is no serious punishment. And don't even begin to tell me that he will be "rehabilitated". He is obviously a sociopath-by definition sociopaths are incapable of being rehabilitated. This piece of human scum needs to have his crime branded onto his face so that anyone seeing him knows what he did. He should be publicly castrated to keep him from breeding more sociopaths. When will we stop turning a blind eye to the horrors inflicted by our 'fellow' men? Time to re-instate some of the punishments from the Middle Ages.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:32 — Diane (Visitor)
I hope he doesn't get out early, but it's not enough time for such a horrible crime! These people are LOSERS.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:32 — Dot (Visitor)
one to three is not enough time for these criminals! They should be made to pay all fees for rescue, vaccinations, medical, etc PLUS hard time. This is worse than some sentences given for minor misdemeanor crimes. The law needs to be stricter including never to own a dog or be within 500 feet of any place that houses a dog. Lets keep him away from schools and day cares too. What's next for these scums????

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:32 — JustJaci (Visitor)
It wasn't but 100 years ago that we used to hang horse thieves. A good horse was worth more than its weight in gold. This was when people VALUED animals and took care of them. With our growth, we now appreciate a good cell signal more than the dog that barks and scares away intruders. We don't punish these abusers now because the majority of society no longer values animals. At best, a small percentage of value their companionship and usefulness for rescue and therapy work. There just isn't enough empathy to get that old justice back. Perhaps we need to start raising the awareness of how these animals benefit our lives......find a way to work them into everyday life of the everyday Joe again. Only then (I believe) will change come about to punish those who commit such atrocities.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:32 — Lenny Schmidt (Visitor)
Dogfighters need to be locked up for 10-15 years fully served and NO TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:32 — MJNYC (Visitor)
He should have gotten 50 years! It's been proven, anyone who can harm an animal will harm a human. Look what just happened to little Nathan because of the nut case in Alabama. Put these animal abusers away forever so they can't harm any more animals or children!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:33 — Margot Shaw (Visitor)
The laws aren't strong enough. When you have sports celebrities like Vick doing vile things like this then.... We need to get the laws strengthend and the judges to be harder on sentences!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:33 — Tonya Cather (Visitor)
Doesn't this tell us something? Look at all the comments on this subj.! I hope and pray that this perverted person and all the others out there like him get longer "jail times" and harder penalties as time goes by! We have to have faith in that. This is a good start! At least he is no longer out there torturing and killing these innocent dogs!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:33 — Robin (Visitor)
Glad he got time and I hope he ends up bending over for a lot of soap in prison. They might be criminals but a lot love animals. Hope is stay is really abusive for him.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:33 — caryn (Visitor)
Not nearly enough. There should be a mandatory minimum sentence and prohibition of EVER owning an animal again.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:35 — Geri (Visitor)
The punishment for this heinous crime against innocent animals will never balance the abuse.! The punishments need to be made stronger, even 3 yrs. of all charges is not enough for what these poor dogs must endure, all for the purpse of exploitation, ego, and of coursE MONEY !!! I hope there will be an end to such in my lifetime.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:36 — kathy (Visitor)
Those poor dogs had to depend on their abuser for food and water and were prisoned for no crime. How sad. The correct person will now be in prison, just not for long enough!!! I hope there is a designated hell for child and animal abusers.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:36 — Martha (Visitor)
I am not big on prison, but sometimes a message has to go out. Good for that judge!!! He did a good job giving him prison! But what about rehabilitation a la Michael Vick? Is the man going to get that?

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