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 - 13:50 — Susie Love (Visitor)
I would think that if one does not feel the sentences for abusing animals in their state are tough enough,(which no state seems to be tough at all) the best thing is to get a petition going and when you have 5000+ signatures (not hard to do with the internet) then take it to the governer of your state. The more signatures the better. At least that should get the ball rolling. The governers office should be able to direct a person on what needs to be done next. Anyway, it's a start. The scum who abuse animals should get at least 10 years. More would be even better. if we could poke sharp sticks at them through the bars, all the better.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:51 — Alvaro (Visitor)
I think he should of gotten death sentence for hurting innocent dogs.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:51 — doug (Visitor)
Five to ten years minimum ! And NEVER allowed to Own a Pet of Any kind. Plus Pay for the vet bills on All of those poor dogs.......

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:51 — Steve Maxwell (Visitor)
the sentance is to leniant. let me have a few moments with Sanchez, I'll get justice.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:53 — Elisabeth Nyenhuis (Visitor)
I think that he should have served his time seperately. That way he serves a little longer and he knows what his time is. Needs to be a lot longer.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:54 — Phyllis Herman (Visitor)
1-3 years to run concurrently not enuf, should b barred from having animals for life not just during parole

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:54 — Lena (Visitor)
I have to agree... This sentence is a slap on the wrist for alot of these people. Laws need to be alot tougher and punishment more brutal. I have zero tolerance for anyone who brings harm to animals or children. A taste of their own medicine is great.... But what happens when a dog has to be out down because its too far in pain or anger to be saved?? So the dog dies and the owner lives? This is where I have an issue. The dog didn't cause or ask for this, the owner did, so why isn't he punished the same way?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:56 — John Coski (Visitor)
- Not even a slap on the wrist, for the most despicable sort of crime.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:00 — Wayne LaBeaud (Visitor)
I don't think its enough ...it is a start. Firstly, I think his sentence should be consecutive NOT concurrent! Secondly, I think he should NEVER be allowed to have another animal, not even tropical fish !! Lastly, upon release I think he should have to work with an animal rescue organization ( one that would monitor his actions)

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:00 — nancy amans (Visitor)
These animals now with ASPCAs help have a voice and justice has been served but the man should get more time.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:03 — KAREN (Visitor)
WONDER HOW HE WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED AS THESE POOL INNASENT ANIMALS WERE? THIS IS SICKNING, AND HE SHOULD DO SOME REAL TIME FOR THIS, IT'S JUST WRONG, AND VERY HEARTLESS.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:07 — Gail Caputo (Visitor)
It's a start. But animals are still not treated as living breathing entities that experience pain and mental distress. The conviction should have been for more time.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:08 — Suzen (Visitor)
I wish the photos of the confiscated dogs would be posted since often dogs are stolen and need to be returned to their rightful owners!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:09 — Me (Visitor)
That's it? Really? 1 year for animal cruelty... for 50 dogs? 1 to 3 years for dog fighting? And 1 year for a weapon that must have been an illegal weapon? This will not stop until the judges start giving out REAL jail terms and making these people serve the entire duration of their sentence. And he should be banned from having animals for the rest of his life. This sickens me.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:16 — Beatriz (Visitor)
I could not say it better, you are very right, judges are a joke.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:11 — Esther (Visitor)
Too lienent. He should have gotten at the very least 1 yr for every dog he had in the basement. He is a pig in the worst sense of the word.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:12 — Bonnie (Visitor)
These should simply be treated as VIOLENT CRIMES punishable with the same sentences, whether it is violence against a human or an animal. ALL VIOLENT CRIMES SHOULD BE SENTENCED EQUALLY.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:12 — Beatriz (Visitor)
Only 3 years is a joke, he should be banned fron having more dogs the rest of his life. Like Michael Vick who was allowed to have another dog..... that is a shame!!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:15 — Ann Fenner (Visitor)
I am disappointed at the short length of time in prison, but judges have to abide by the laws that are on the books. The public has to get outraged enough to start sending letters, emails and phone calls to their state legislators and governors. The laws must be changed to reflect the crime. We may have to vote money for bigger prisons. These criminals should have a large M (for Monster) tatooed on their forheads to warn people they are in the presence of Evil. If they will abuse dogs, they will abuse children, elderly and anyone who is vulnerable and defenseless. I have often thought that public hangings should be brought back just for this type of offense.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:18 — Chris (Visitor)
Notice that one of the other charges was criminal possession of a weapon. Which he got 1 year for. So either the dog fighting charge was a freebie or the weapon charge was a freebie. Either way this proves that our weapon laws and our animal cruelty laws need to be strengthened.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:18 — Karen Miro (Visitor)
Give him a year for every dog!!! But before that lock him in a room with all the dogs he tortured and let them attack him!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:21 — Kimberly (Visitor)
I wholeheartedly agree with everyone advocating longer sentences, an eye for an eye, etc. Unfortunately, this country still accepts and justifies the torture of factory farm animals as the norm, as well as believing creatures to be less worthy than humans. Until we become a more compassionate society as a whole, animal abuse crimes will continue to be seen as "lesser crimes". Sadly, even wearing a shirt that reads "animal abuser" would most likely not evoke much anger in the prison population. We need to change the mindset of America regarding tolerance and compassion for those without a voice, including ALL creatures big and small. Only then will opinions start to change. Just my two cents.......

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:21 — Debbie Santelli (Visitor)
I live at 1415 S Chester in Stillwater, Oklahoma, home of Oklahoma State University. A neighbor across the street moved her boyfriend, Jeff Blocker in about 15 years age and he has been trapping and killing cats in the neighborhood every since he moved in. He lives at 1404 S Chester and also workes for Oklahoma State University in the Fire Protestion Publication Dept. The locat animal control and police are well aware of what he is doing, but do nothing to protect these domestic animals. I have lost 20 cats that I have vet bills on and shot records on. He bates is traps with open cans of turn and chicked. No one in Stillwater seems to care. Can you help. 405 744 5842

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:22 — Denise (Visitor)
I completely agree with the judge who gave him a 7-year sentence and with the person who mentions that RAOUL SANCHEZ should also do community service for at least 2 years at a local shelter caring for animals that, just like him, somebody else abused.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:24 — Linda (Visitor)
So happy to hear one more of these operators shut down but his sentence was a mere pittance. Please continue to stop this travesty but let's all contact our local legislators about harsher penalties. Lives...no matter what kind...are sactred.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:25 — Winnie Adams (Visitor)
This criminal deserves a harsher punishment but it's certainly better than nothing. Now we as a society have to educate the youth and adults about this cruel treatment of animals. It is NOT okay to treat animals this way. Also, please spay and neuter your pets and please adopt from shelters and rescue organizations.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:26 — Theresa Wiegand (Visitor)
Let's tattoo all animals with a big tattoo on their foreheads - that way we will know who they are and watch them! What a torture that would be for these less than human creatures!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:26 — Joseph P. Krausz (Visitor)
The animal fighter penaties need to be stronger. However, the spectators at illegal animal fighting events need also to be stopped and punished. The U.S. House of Representatives has a bill in progress, HR 366 the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which needs your Congressperson's vote, or better yet co-sponsorship. It is aimed at making it illegal to knowingly attend illegal animal fighting events or to bring a minor to such events .Over the past decade, Congress has strengthened the penalties for and closed major loopholes in the federal animal fighting law, but has left the issue of spectators unaddressed. The legislation will correct this remaining gap in federal law to allow for a more comprehensive crackdown on this barbaric activity. Please contact your Congressperson and ask him/her to support this bill. The Senate version of the bill overwhelmingly passed last year. Thanks.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:27 — annette Demes (Visitor)
3 years? How soon will he be out? 2 months?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:27 — ryan (Visitor)
The sentance needs to be longer and/or more severe like solitary confinement. You need to get into these people's heads to make them understand that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:28 — Big Dog (Visitor)
Good Make an example of him so people like that can learn to treat animal with respect and not cruelty.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:28 — Theresa Wiegand (Visitor)
Oops, meant to say "Let's tattoo all torturers of animals with a big tattoo on their foreheads?"

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:30 — Larry (Visitor)
Why are these sentences made to serve concurrently..........this is a judge's decision. Obviously they need to be lobbied.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:30 — gregory walker (Visitor)
Why are prison sentences mere slaps on the wrist. Michael Vick is back out making millions again. There is no true justice for helpless animals.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:32 — Debi McGregor (Visitor)
While this is definitely a sentence in the right direction, but more needs to be done to deter these people who have no commpassion for animals. The sentence needs to be more severe, and as other folks have said, mental evaluations etc need to be added. If someone can do this to helpless animals what about their attitude towards humans?? Are serial killers not thought to start out by being mean to animals?? There is more to the picture and letting him own other animals after his parole????? OH MY GOSH??? He had 50 dogs down there!!!! Get real!!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:33 — Jaime Perez (Visitor)
Dog fighting is nothing short of murder! These poor dogs are killed all too often. 3 years is a joke. He needs to do a life sentence of hard labor. Maybe this will get the message across to other dog fighters-they'd think twice about this blood sport.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:33 — Jay (Visitor)
Not enough justice for these innocent creatures. These people need to sit in a cell and think about what they've done 3 years isn't cutting it. People with no heart will do it again as soon as they're off parole. It's all about money with these people it's a gambling problem

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:35 — Iris Lorraine Miller (Visitor)
I agree that anyone abusing animals should be punisheed. How about making him fingt his own weight. Our Texas feral boars weigh in at about 150 to 300 pounds and would a good challenger. They could go tooth and toenail and kill him. What about rodeo. Thos animals wouldn't buck,except when they have tight straps tied around thier groin and are jabbed in the ribs with sharp spurs. Thats another SPORT that abuses animals.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:36 — debra wagar (Visitor)
I think he should get a punishment for each animal he has hurt {each one}as if it was a kid or elderly. 5-10 years for the hurt one, The ones that died, he should get murder charges for each case thats is known of 15-20 years. I think while he is doing his time, once a week some one should whip him/her whith a whip then put salt on the wounds every day. I think this should go on for the first 10 years his in person, then he needs to get paroled and very slowly be around kids and animals that have been abused to see if he still has a hart in there somewhere. if he doesnt he goes back to perison for one year same punishment but add fire ants to it for half hour,then get reinsed off then put the salt on then wounds again, but instead of once a week do it every other week. after that year is up, let him inter act with the kids and animals and be taught how to clean the wounds so he see up close and see the eyes of how the heart is been hurt also, to see them get healed inside the heart and the wounds heal also, hopefully it will show he too can heal and have a change of hurt, from mean to good. he should be able to do this a year {ya cant change over night} If it has changed then we saved a few souls, if not through his/her ass but in prison a torcher him for every day he has left of his heartless no good thing it is.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:37 — marie (Visitor)
its a shame that so many animals had to suffer and this piece of crap only gets a couple of years. he should never be able to have another animal as long as he lives

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:38 — Terry Dixson (Visitor)
Should have been 1-3 years for each and every dog he mamed, tortured and subsequently killed. Almost half of those poor souls lost their lives one way or another! LEGISLATORS!! DO YOUR JOB AND ENACT STRONGER LAWS WITH STIFFER PENALTIES for all crimes against innocent animals. And JUDGES!!!!!! Stop being so damn soft on these criminals and uphold the laws as written!!! Enough is enough!!!!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:38 — quinten p (Visitor)
This is hardly enough time for all of the misery this peice of ^%#* has caused countless innocent creatures. Once we start giving these slimeballs real sentences it will only be then that animals will have a decent chance for the good lives they deserve. This creep makes me sick to my stomach.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:39 — Dorothy MacPherson (Visitor)
He should serve his terms consecutively not concurrently. This would lead to longer jail time.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:42 — connie williams (Visitor)
They need to start being more strict with these animal abusers...make them serve 5 years, no probation and a $10,000. A slap on the wrist does nothing. Pot smokers are charged with more than these abusers and I would rather see them free!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:42 — Patricia Bacon (Visitor)
He needs to be in jail for at least 5 years given this level of cruelty.How I wish the laws were stronger and stricter What a scum-bag.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:46 — Gabi (Visitor)
Finally!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:48 — Julie (Visitor)
I know this must break God's heart like it breaks ours. Hey gives us as humans free will and look what we do with it. First we need to pray. They definitely should get jail time and then for the rest of their lives be on parole knowing that the parole officer will always have the ability to drop in to wherever they live so they can never get reestablished. Dear Lord please be with those defenseless beautiful loyal animals.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:49 — LORI (Visitor)
SO GLAD THIS CREEP IS GOING TO SPEND JAIL TIME,, BUT THERE STILL NEEDS TO BE MUCH STRICTER LAWS!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:49 — Penny (Visitor)
The jerk should have gotten more time and a large fine. Judge not tough enough on the creep.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 14:50 — jodie (Visitor)
are you kidding me, that is not nearly enough time, what a joke, and concurrently, that means he does all the time all at once......and he shouldn't be allowed to ever have dogs again. Judge is a wimp

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