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

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 09:55 — markela taylor (Visitor)
we have to step and fight for the animals rights, these little sentences are enough for the REAL ANIMALS that are abusing these innocent animals. we are their voice and we need to step up and do something.

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 09:57 — markela taylor (Visitor)
i meant to say these sentences are not enough, they need more time, these sentences are like slaps on the wrist, they'll just come out and do it again

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 11:07 — Nat (Visitor)
I agree with 40 years in prison and no bail.

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 13:25 — catlady (Visitor)
I think they should get at least 3 yr per animal that is rescued, maybe then they might think about the consquences and the animals.

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 18:24 — Trisha (Visitor)
the punishment does not fit the crime... he needs a real penalty. a few years like 5 sounds better

Wed, 02/20/2013 - 23:25 — Donna Schott (Visitor)
He may get so-called hard time, but that is only 3-4 years? Out in 18 months. Just like Mike Vick. How many dogs were killed? how many were scarred physically and mentally for the rest of their lives?? give him 10- 15 years with no good time and let him stay in solitary confinement and let him out for a good weekly beating from others and lock him back in the cage. See if others want to follow his example and get the same punishment! things may change...

Thu, 02/21/2013 - 00:53 — Sandy (Visitor)
throw him in a cell & let 50 wild, rapid dogs tear him apart until he's dead! that'll be justice

Thu, 02/21/2013 - 07:38 — Sarah (Visitor)
This sentence is entirely not enough! He should have gotten at least 6 months for each animal found in the building - so for me 25 years would have been more adequate - No telling how many dogs died under his watch.

Thu, 02/21/2013 - 18:11 — janice (Visitor)
Our lab was stolen 3 weeks ago and we haven't found him yet. People are saying that fighters steal dogs for bait. I hope this wasn't what happened to mine. I have joined in with my local animal shelter and formed a committee to work on this. I am trying to get as many people as I can to go on and sign the petition to put animal abusers on a registry as an offender which means everyone can find out this information and cannot own an animal again. Wouldn't you want to know if your neighbor had abused an animal in the past? And no 1 year is not enough.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 19:50 — Danielle (Visitor)
... im so sorry. I will pray for the safe return of your Lab. AND you can count me to back any petition of an "animal abuser list". Go on facebook and look up "Logans Law" they got the bill passed. Such an inspiration. Logan is a dog that had acid thrown in face all because his owner cut someone off while driving. So the guy came to his property and hurt his dog. its terrible but logans law is leading the way for petitions like you mentioned.

Thu, 02/21/2013 - 23:52 — Susan Cherry (Visitor)
Animal fighting is barbarric, and those who participate in the practices deserve a great deal more punishment than current sentencing guidelines mandate. These monsters who participate or contribute to animal fighting deserve to be made to fight for their lives like the gladiators of long ago. I wouldn't feel sorry at all forr those who go to prison and become Big Bubba's Girlfriend!!!!! After all, they don't care about those poor dogs, and other animals who are forced to fight for their lives.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:21 — Eileen Keenan (Visitor)
1 year for dog fighting!? That's not enough! Animal abusers are evil people. Yes, evil, as evil as a child abuser. There's a lot to be said about the mind of a person who can hurt those(beasts or human)that are weaker than them. He probably won't serve the whole sentence but I guess it's something. It's a small win for the poor creatures that are hurt by the inhumane people like this Sanchez. However, the punishments need to be harsher.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:02 — Allene (Visitor)
I say put in a shark tank and walk away. what he did to all those animals plus some 2 years, 18 mos is not enough; however it is better than nothing at all.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:19 — Sylvia Fern Head (Visitor)
Cruelty to animals in general shows psychopathic or sociopaths personality disorder. These people tend to not see the object of their cruelty as something that has feelings or feels pain, to them it is just an object that they feel is for their pleasure. These people lack the ability to feel empathy, regret, remorse. etc. A lot of serial killers and or murders and abusers have shown a tendency to animal cruelty when they are children or youths. Treatment for this situation is a must. Though often medical and mental help does NOTHING to change these peoples' thoughts and desires... Medication is a must to assist them - in the form of a LETHAL INJECTION!!!

Sat, 02/23/2013 - 17:41 — Jen (Visitor)
One year? Potentially, but not likely, three? This is no where near enough time for the crime committed.

Sun, 02/24/2013 - 22:42 — Anna Bergalis (Visitor)
He needs more time and a lot of community service . Anmd counseling

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 17:10 — Rose Geman (Visitor)
As far as I am concerned, Michael Vick should still be in jail. Those who treat animals with cruelty and abuse and neglect are a fine line from doing the same to human beings. As a nation, we don't even Respect the Life of an UNBORN CHILD, so it doesn't surprise me that there are those who are cruel to animals. They should be punished and all puppy mills should be closed. They are causing pet overpopulation and the death of many shelter animals.

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 18:00 — B Mills (Visitor)
I"m glad to see he"ll be punished but we need stiffer laws for our beloved animals < if i could save them all i would < we need laws and we need them inforced ,in WV it seems it just doesn't matter, I've called on so many mistreated animals just to go back and see them still there in same conditions. Wonder how there owners would like to be chained or caged outside in the elements not able to help themselves or get food and fresh water , love and attention. I have 2 rescue dogs and they are my children, I love these girls more than life. 1 of them was chained to a fence on a 4 ft chain , no shelter, food and nasty dirty water the other somebody dropped along side of the road{so cruel} they are the loves of my life! If anyone has any IDEAS HOW TO INFORCE LAWS HERE PLEASE TELL ME

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 12:16 — Theresa Strom (Visitor)
The punishment for animal cruelty is no where near where it should be. It is sad that we do not regard these helpless creatures with anymore regard than a one year prison term and sadly because of this they will be right back at these crimes as soon as they get out.

Fri, 03/01/2013 - 18:57 — CONNIE NEAL (Visitor)
Keep up the great work. keep the creep in jail for life??

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 22:18 — Rose (Visitor)
good work!!!!!!!!!!!1

Wed, 03/06/2013 - 05:48 — Gertruida Wessels (Visitor)
Well done - I hope he gets in jail what he has given out to animals who cannot defend themselves - that actually needs love and attention.

Thu, 03/07/2013 - 12:00 — J. Boggs (Visitor)
Sentencing laws will be the only solution to the light sentences for animal cruelty. I think we all agree tougher sentencing is needed for these types of crimes to put a halt to it. collectively we have the power if we harness all our energies together it to put into this

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 13:52 — Lexi (Visitor)
Okay, people that are low enough to abuse amazing animals like pit bulls, need a bigger sentence than that. The judge might as well have slapped his hand!

Sun, 03/10/2013 - 20:33 — t.a. (Visitor)
That's not nearly long enough.

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 19:46 — Danielle (Visitor)
yey. its not enough time in my opinion but its a start. I am disgusted at anyone who mistreats any animal, let alone dog fighting. I have 2 pits myself and i love them with all my heart and would die protecting them. Moreover, they protect and love anyone they know, including all of the many children at my house, and guests/guests children. Dont get me wrong, in the wrong hands, any dog can be vicious and a public menace, but, if you own a dog or pitt bull, you should be a responsible owner, not only by feeding, but training, vet care and love. There isnt a breed that loves more than a pittbull. Its really amazing and wish everyone could experience it.

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 10:44 — Bunny (Visitor)
He didn't get enough time. Still too lax in sentencing, Vermin like him start with animals and go on to humans. Thankfully those dogs were saved. ASPCA you are the best, but I'm sure more rats like him exist.

Sun, 04/21/2013 - 15:12 — Lori grant (Visitor)
Our justice system is finally clueing in. Cruelty should be punishable on every front! More time might make more of an impression on these monsters though.

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