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 - 12:12 — Noreen Farrell (Visitor)
Finally!! Bless all who helped bring justice to this low life...I wish there was real rehab for these people but, unfortunately, most don't really think they're doing anything wrong...No sensitivity for others, human or animal.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:12 — Betty (Visitor)
These animal predator's must be stopped. More jail time! Heavy monetary fines! Publish their names and faces on an internet web site. Do not allow them to adopt or buy an animal again. Expose them for what they are!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:13 — penny perillo (Visitor)
I glad finally some justices for these animals but it is still not enough. This dispicable excuses for a human beam should also have to do community service when he gets out, and pay a fine. I also hope he get in jail what he reaily deserves.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:13 — E.goodman (Visitor)
Absolutely.... I am fed up with slaps on the wrists for these cruel idiots who get caught doing their Cruelty. Frankly, yes, they should be given the same treatment that they gave their dogs. Every bit of it. Animal cruelty punishment in this country is pathetically puny and weak . The only thing that might stop This behavior is fear of harsh punishment.p

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:14 — connie krout (Visitor)
I wonder which NFL team will give him a million dollar contract after he serves his 3 years!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:14 — Roz Gregor (Visitor)
Why so little time? All he will do in prison is set up new contacts and start over when he gets out with new clients. What is to prevent this from happening? This is good -- but it is a slap on the wrist.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:16 — alma beckwith (Visitor)
leave him in shark-infested waters he got off too light

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:17 — David Hightower (Visitor)
3 years is not enough even if he had to do the total amount. They should have started at 25 years and taken off a year for every name he gave them that led to an arrest for animal cruelty. He did not act alone. The others remain free.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:17 — Ron (Visitor)
Our state ( mich. ) will take their building and home plus car and long time in prison and everyone there watching goes to prison to plus if they take a kid to it they get a another 3 yrs also. I love my state for doing this.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:24 — Patricia (Visitor)
I also love your State for doing this! Would that every State in the Union followed Michigan's example.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:18 — Neil Richards (Visitor)
These individuals who are involved and promote dog fighting are the dregs of society with no conscience about humanity. They must be brought to swift and firm justice, knowing that these intolerable acts against innocent animals will not be tolerated. Lets all band together and let our governments know that as a society must bring this cruel practice to an end and show the world that tyranny exists in many forms and those who commit cruelty to innocent animals are not far removed from inflicting sadistic acts on humans.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:19 — TXBX (Visitor)
This human monster should serve double the time & circumstances he inflicted on his animals, including the same foods, clothes, beds, amenities, temperature control, bathroom facilities, and medical care. As a reward, he should be allowed to participate in a 'fight' with some rednecks, since he liked 'dog fights'. After spending double the time in the basement, he should then go to jail, and serve 20 years, and the time for the crimes should be followed with NEVER being allowed within 300 yards of any 4-legged animal again in his life!! WHY DO WE ALLOW people like him to stay here on earth? UGH!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:19 — Anna L. York (Visitor)
The sentence is insufficient. Now we have to make sure he serves the full 3 years-not one minute less. He should be banned from having any pets for the duration of his miserable life. Let's lobby our elected officials for a law that encompasses increasing the penalty, a national animal abuser registry, and banning them from ever having a pet.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:24 — Dianna James (Visitor)
I agree with you Anna that we need a registry for those that have abused animals in the way that this happened, as well as those that have operated a puppy mill. I do not feel they deserve to ever own another pet in their entire life. We should start a organization for stopping and pushing our legislators to help these poor animals that are innocent.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:20 — Jimmie P (Visitor)
That is what dog fighters should get. That, or they should be fed to Crocodiles!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:20 — Sharri (Visitor)
Hang the guy by his balls for the duration of his sentence. See how he likes suffering

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:21 — Dianna James (Visitor)
I feel that the sentence that he received was to light, he should have gotton more time. These are innocent animals and were subject to horror. As humans they do not forget what was inflicted upon them. They have just as much feelings as a human, and they feel pain as we do.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:22 — Patricia Allen (Visitor)
It is lenient sentences such as this that allow criminals to conduct these illegal activities. How long will this piece of vermin actually serve? What was the Judge thinking, or was he thinking and does he own a dog?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:22 — Sandra (Visitor)
Distgusting, not nearly enough. They need to have stricter enforcement and longer sentencing on these "can't think of a suitable name to call them, nothing bad enough", to curb these " "s from continuing with this evil barbarism. I wish I were judge and jury.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:23 — diane brant (Visitor)
not enough..where's the fines and community service requirement. cleaning shelters, mucking horse manure and more dirty work. sentence does not send a 'fear of God' messgae to others..we lack that in every aspect of our justice system...

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:24 — Linda (Visitor)
Sanchez is just banned from having animals for the duration of his parole. Should be a lifetime ban!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:26 — Tom (Visitor)
Why do they always make the sentences concurrent, allowing these scumbags to be out in a year or less? The sentences for multiple offenses should be CONSECUTIVE with NO consideration for parole until within a year of the final sentence. And they darned sure shouldn't be allowed to go to a minimum security installation - hard time would make a great impression on these animals.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:26 — A (Visitor)
I agree not enough jail time, as who is to check that he does not do it again. They kind of people get away easy and the dogs are the ones to end up dead from fighting and mal nourished - even the judge can't do much since the law only allow little time, no fines, no probation, no mandatory community service - these poor animals ARE the VICTUMS - SO SAD THAT THE LAW WONT PROTECT THEM

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:27 — sherry (Visitor)
good

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:27 — Scott Adams (Visitor)
It is a start but still a long way to go

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:27 — LILY HUANG (Visitor)
3 years?? Is that some kinda joke??? 1000´s of dogs have suffered for nearly a lifetime! This man deserves at least 10 years of prison and a penalty fine upto 20.000$ .. THIS maybe would be the best way to STOP dog fighting FOREVER!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:27 — Chris Jametski (Visitor)
I agree the prison term is way to short, however it's a step up. I pray more judges look at this case and prosecute anyone who does harm to animals to a long term, someone needs to set an example for others to follow. Abuse/fight an animal go to prison for a very long time!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:28 — Christine Dwora... (Visitor)
Serving sentences concurrently rather than consecutively makes this a veritable slap on the wrist.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:28 — Katie LaRoche (Visitor)
I am thoroughly excited that this guy was caught and sent to prison! A celebration is in order! However, I completely agree that this guy will probably get off more easily than 3 years. Three years in itself is not enough time, and still, he will likely get less than that. Animal abuse is FAR TOO tolerated in this world.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:30 — Phyllis L. Smith (Visitor)
One to 3 years is not enough punishment for this crime if a person gets early parole.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:30 — Bob (Visitor)
Without knowing the details of this specific case, but knowing that dog-fighting is a cruel business, I agree with those who feel that the penalty should be greater. Why isn't the prison time served consecutively instead of concurrently? Why isn't his prohibition against keeping animals for his lifetime? While public service and rehabilitation are important aspects to the reduction of animal cruelty, certainly more severe penalties are in order to set the "tone" of the seriousness of these crimes.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:31 — Kirsten Mentley (Visitor)
3 years is not nearly enough time for someone who inflicts that kind of pain and suffering on helpless animals. Ridiculous!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:31 — stef pulitzer (Visitor)
DESPICABLE PIECE OF CRAP. HEARTLESS, SOULLESS, LOW-LIFE COWARD. HOW CAN ANY SENTIENT BEING WITH A BRAIN ACTUALLY ENJOY SEEING TORTURED ANIMALS BRUTALLY FIGHT TO THE DEATH??? SICKENS ME TO THE CORE. I WON'T MINCE WORDS- IF THERE IS A HELL, I HOPE SANCHEZ & ANY OTHERS INVOLVED IN THIS MIND-BOGGLING CRUELTY ROT IN HELL. SLOWLY...

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:32 — Tammy (Visitor)
This to me is still not enough time for the pain he caused those dogs. I am grateful the Judge had enough heart to follow through and put him in prison. It is time all states step up, put them behind bars. They are criminals if they are fighting dogs.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:33 — Tess (Visitor)
This person should never be allowed to own an animal. Even with his prison sentence, the damage has already been done to the dogs. How many of them will actually be able to be adopted?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:33 — Mina (Visitor)
This crime needs to carry some felony time, - 10 years, fines, possession of property since property was probably purchased with monies gained by crime. Proceeds go to the ASPCA! Probation? What about probation and community service! Time to clean up the streets, literally. Community Services means clean up debris from the streets and parks in all weather conditions. Feed the homeless, no working at animal shelters!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:34 — Wil (Visitor)
dog owners should go through the same process as one when adopting children. In addition what ever happen To dog tags inspections and enforcement?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:36 — Ben Kirkwood (Visitor)
NOT ENOUGH TIME!!!!!! HE SHOULD ROT IN JAIL!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:37 — THOMAS (Visitor)
I hope this D-bag get abused every single that he is in jail. It is a shame that people who abuse animals cannot get more time. The laws need to change. Anyhow, Adios Raul Sanchez! Don't drop the soap.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:42 — Eve Demian (Visitor)
No soap for the Latin Kings! He's gonna be in there with his amigos! They'll be planning his next dog fight!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:38 — Willa (Visitor)
All we ever have to say is Michael Vick... Michael Vick...Michael Vick...that is all we ever need to know about the laws protecting our innocents. That piece of crap is making millions, is idolized by children whose parents are too stupid to tell them the truth and its as if it never happened.... there is never enough that can be done to this bottom dwellers and just an FYI these people can not rehabilitated - they are born without a moral compass and should probably be put out of OUR misery.... but yes at least he got something

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:38 — Janda (Visitor)
Maybe 1 yr prison per dog would be a better sentence as this is a joke what he got!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:38 — mary vavrik (Visitor)
Though it's a punishment, it is a light one, indeed. When Michael Vick serves a short sentence, THEN gets to return as an NFL quarterback, that shows how very very far we need to go in this regard. The guy should get the same punishment he inflicted on this poor animals. He should be tortured beyond tolerable. But, again, it's a start. WE have a long, long way to go for justice to be served in these regards.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:39 — Lynn (Visitor)
Really, a ban on keeping dogs while on parole? Is that really the best we can do? How about a LIFETIME BAN, as already suggested?! How about 10 years in prison, how about we throw him into a ring with a guy with a baseball bet and let him have at it? I'm grateful for the punishment he got but it's not even close to being what he should get.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:39 — Louise Glogau (Visitor)
He'd probably get more time for stealing a TV. I'm all for the let him live as his animals lived. Plus look at Michael Vick-just signed a $10 million ONE YEAR contract. there is no sports in professional sports.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:42 — ramses09 (Visitor)
Michael Vick SUCKS!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:39 — Eve Demian (Visitor)
What bulls**t. The A.S.P.C.A. never tires of patting itself on the back, when in fact they have been INSTRUMENTAL in keeping the C.A.C.C. from becoming a no-kill shelter, by consistantly voting down those referrendums that would change that. Now they're crowing about a stinking ONE YEAR *CONCURRENT* sentencing of some scumbag who will probably be *paroled* before his year is up, and will be, essentially, a good time with his friends, many of whom I'm sure he'll meet in jail. If anything, this shameful, piddling, *CONCURRENT* "sentence" is an encouragement to dog-fighters to keep up the "good work". That so-called "year" is a reasonable risk compared to the money dog-fighters make. If that's the best that the system can manage for a dog-fighter, the message is loud and clear: "COME ON!".

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:41 — ramses09 (Visitor)
It's good to see that there are some judges who aren't paid off. I say , kudos to the judge who sentenced him. It's a start - let us not forget this.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:41 — doreen rosanen (Visitor)
Why on earth are you keeping this scum bag, useless individual alive. We have enough humans suffocating and doing damage on this planet. He is not forgiven, so euthanize this scum bag.What a stupid system.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 12:42 — Sonia (Visitor)
The judge should hve made his sentence "to be served consecutively" on each charge. Did he give up the names of his co horts in the operation? What about the contacts lists of spectators, who in some states are sought to be charged? I agree that his tax records should be gone over by the IRS, if they have not been interested already. Maybe it's not too late. He may have information on other illegal dog-fighting operators. Lastly, he should be banned from owning any dogs for at least five years and that after taking a course and being approved. With public pressure the Governor who can make a difference in this area may be moved to take stronger action against animal cruelty and those who seek to profit by it. Puppy mills, dog-fighting operators and animal abusers all need to have penalties strengthened. It is up to us... .

Pages

Post new comment