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 - 13:12 — Bridget McCombe (Visitor)
Not long enough & this monster should never be allowed to have animals again, never. Best also to keep him away from children.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:12 — Gina Bessetti-Reyes (Visitor)
But what happens to the dogs? Are they going to be put down?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:12 — Nureen Murphy (Visitor)
Recent research (last 3 years or so) has shown that people who abuse animals are showing the bases for being perpetrators of abuse against children, domestic violence, torture and murder. Sentencing for animal abuse perpetrators should take into consideration the proven potential of the person(people) for committing crimes against human beings and should be sentenced accordingly. I am aware that you cannot sentence someone for a crime that has not yet been committed, but it seems to me that an obvious probability(based on recent research) should be at least considered in the sentencing.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:12 — J E (Visitor)
Wish he'd gotten a LOT longer sentence! The cruelty these people force on these animals is just the beginning of a sick mind and heart. He will hurt people too, probably already has, because that's who he is.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:13 — dogmommy (Visitor)
The sentence should have been per count for each dog. Since his sentence was one to three years for animal fighting, one year for animal cruelty and there were 50 dogs, he should have received a year per dog for animal fighting and one yr per dog for cruelty. Let the punishment fit the crime. What a creep!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:13 — Joe (Visitor)
He should of had more years in prison, however this is making progress where before this was overlooked. In my opinion this should carry the same sentence as kidnapping and torture as if this was done on a human, because the only thing that separates us from them is communication, they bark we talk ( well, they also know no hate and love people uncoditionally) so we could learn alot from them

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:14 — Ann M (Visitor)
People who fight dogs are cowards. They have to feel big, bad, and powerful. Too bad they are small, wimpy, and weak. Back responsible breeders and lets ban stupid people!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:14 — Elizabeth (Visitor)
Whoever the judge on this case was, he/she ought to be retired... This guy could have been given a maximum sentence, WITHOUT the benefits of concurrent sentences. In other words, he could have been put away for 3-6 years, instead of what will likely amount to just one. And the idea that he's banned from having dogs for the duration of his parole -- is pathetically inadequate. Animal abuse should be tantament to child abuse. Clear and simple. Nothing is going to significantly change until we demand that animals are treated the same way we treat children... Right now, they have the same legal rights that a piece of furniture does.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:14 — Jane Miiller Va... (Visitor)
Horray for helping to stop the horrid practice of dog fighting! These sick people need to be legally punished and not allowed to ever own any type of animals again. Good job!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:14 — Don Cameron (Visitor)
God help scum like Sanchez if anyone or any group takes to vigilante acts when the legal system fails. Just a matter of time.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:15 — michael culli (Visitor)
I HOPE & PRAY HIS BROTHERS IN CRIME IN PRISON ENJOY HIM.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:17 — Kimberly (Visitor)
Amen & Amen!!!! At least it's a start! Hopefully we can work toward harder and longer times for these scum bags who have no heart.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:17 — Dorothy van der Wey (Visitor)
That is a beautiful brindle pitbull. I hope that Sanchez does all of the three years that he richly deserves. In fact, what people do to animals should be done back to them - they can see how they like it!!!!!!!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:17 — Pat Wiseman (Visitor)
That is not nearly enough time, it should at least be doubled. How about when he gets out? I hope the judge precluded him from being able to own or be in contact with other dogs and if he does back to jail he goes. (I wish)

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:17 — Gloria (Visitor)
not enough.shame on THE JUSTICE SYSTEM.THIS IS MURDER.the dogs r either killed in the fight or shot afterwards because they lost.Shame on the justice system.He will be on the streets soon to start this again

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:20 — Beverly Ammons (Visitor)
The bad thing about this, among to many to mention, is they breed (the dog fighters) and create more like themselves. So it's an ongoing cruelty.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:20 — Melaina Ramos (Visitor)
What a terrible person to hurt so many dogs like that! He should have gotten 10 years!!! Thank goodness that they are all okay.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:20 — DD (Visitor)
we need to push the goverment to push for harder jail time 5 yr or more without early paroll.and a heftyer fine like 10,000 for animal cruelty,2000 dollare for each dog they find or other animals .

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:20 — Mary Wells (Visitor)
I agree with the various comments on here. 1. He didn't get enough time. 2. Why are the sentences conqurent? Don't combine the crimes and make it a package deal. He should serve seperate time for every crime he committed. He would be in prison longer. 3.These evil people should get treated like they treated these poor animals, or worse. You don't see animals doing such things to humans. 4. The convict should not be allowed to own any more animals, for the rest of his life. I hate to hear stuff like this. It infuriates me. When an individual is sentenced like this, it should be widley publized so that the message gets out there. Hurt an animal go to jail. Also, just as sex offenders are listed, why aren't animal abusers listed as well? Whatever can be done as a deterint to help these animals would be so great. You can just imagine how many animals are being abused right this moment. Many loosing their lives, and no one will ever know. I think if the lawmakers are tired and serious about stopping the violence against animals, they should listen to the suggestions all the animal lovers provide. Doing nothing isn't stopping the violence. Extreme or not, punish these people. Don't wait for laws to be passed to fit the crime. Why give these crimnals a chance or break to keep then from going to jail. They are definitely not givng the animals any consideration to their well being. No breaks, just lock up! Just one law should apply, hurt an animal, go to jail!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:22 — don (Visitor)
He should be banned for life, would anyone let a child preditor have conact with kids? Why would we let an animal abuser have animals again? I am pretty sure we have laws that give lifetime bans on owning pets. No?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:24 — Sandy (Visitor)
I think the judge should have sentenced him to one year - for EACH dog he abused. I think 50 years in prison should be about right. He'll be too old to do any damage by then.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:25 — Bunny (Visitor)
Why are there still people who like to see animals torn apart? Where did they grow up?

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:25 — Linda L (Visitor)
I totally agree - MORE jail time for the pain, suffering & death of these poor helpless animals. How about a least 1 year per dog? that's 30 yrs for the dogs that they found there, not to even mention the poor dogs that suffered a horrible death being put in a fighting ring that were not saved.............

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:26 — kristy kyle (Visitor)
concurently is bullshit. meaning all sentences are served and if he stays a yr it will be a miracle. maybe someone will kill the bastard so the animals get real justice. our justice sucks it is a mockery.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:27 — Bonnie Bradshaw (Visitor)
He did not get nearly enough time...he should be shipped to an island with no food..water or anything else ..far as I am concerned...

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:27 — Laurie (Visitor)
So he got time in jail - it is NOT enough. By the time he gets out, it will probably be only 10 mos. We need to enforce LONGER jail times for animals. This is sick disgusting behavior. One year for animal cruelty = 6 mos. One to Three years for dog fighting = 12 mos....how do we enforce more strict laws regarding animals and stop them from being "property" verses LIVING AMAZING CREATURES????????

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:28 — kristy kyle (Visitor)
no animal while on parole. wtf this judge is a idiot. and this is one more reason why america is falling apart

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:29 — Sue (Visitor)
First, this guy needs a little beating. On a serious note, his punishment is was too lenient. He will probably do 9 months at the outside. I think a term of five years should be imposed and the person does all 5 years and not at some country club facility. Jail him right along with other hardcore inmates. If he does get whipped, I guess he will have a sense of what dogfighting entails.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:29 — Marci Willard (Visitor)
Animals should be treated with the same respect as humans!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:31 — ted sorce (Visitor)
WRAP THE JERK IN BACON THEN PUT HIM IN A CELL WITH ALL THE DOGS HE MISTREATED.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:33 — Karin Olson (Visitor)
This person is the definition of a sociopath and let's hope that he has not reproduced. By the way antisocial disorder is a personality disorder and not treatable w/ meds. In other words-he likely will not change!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:34 — kristy kyle (Visitor)
the judge wasnt even smart enough to make him pay all money he has collected from being a sick sob, possibly he is kin to judge, to pay for helping animals. he will be out in no time and can get some more bait dogs off of craigslist for free and be back in business within the yr.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:38 — jabbajane (Visitor)
He should have been ordered to receive mandatory EDUCATION on why organized dog fighting is a crime. Most don't understand. Some are brought up with this in their "culture". Until the perps understand why it is a crime, it will never be corrected by incarceration alone.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:40 — Donald Lightbody (Visitor)
Where is the justice in concurrent sentences? This is basically a slap on the wrist for this yob, given the charges against him. I fail to see why he could not be given consecutive sentences, but then again, I'm just a layman.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:40 — Debbie Saunders (Visitor)
Not enough, not enough, not enough!!! Why is more prison time given to someone who smokes weed (in most states) than tortures and kills pets (who are quite often stolen). I'd be more than happy to administer the punishment to the unendowed.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:41 — louise despointes (Visitor)
the jail sentence is not much, he should have been asked to pay at least 5000$ of penalty to the state, & shouldn't ever be able to own an animal, as soon as he will be out he will start again!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:41 — kathleen (Visitor)
How about one year for each dog? If sentencing is supposed to be a detterent this sentence is laughable. And animal ownership in the future? I thnk there should be someserious SPCA volunteer hours required before any person convicted of animal abuse is allowed possession of a pet. Woof.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:41 — audrey (Visitor)
I feel like they should be put to a more harsh of a punishment. In my honest opinion we should get a whole bunch of people and protest because I am tired seeing these articles because of animals being hurt. It's ridiculous that people are this cruel.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:42 — Kathy K (Visitor)
I agree wholeheartedly. These people should get a lot more time, & be made to actually serve it, not get out in a short time, just to do it all over again. Just because he won't be allowed to have animals during his probation, doesn't mean he won't still practice this disgusting, horrible practice, making these poor animals fight after being kept in a dark basement, no doubt under deplorable conditions. I think they should be chained, kept in a dark basement, deprived of decent food, minimal water, no sunlight or exercise, or any type of love & affection, be made to live in their own feces & urine. Then they should be made to fight publicly, to the death like they make these poor lovable animals do. I also agree with a post that I saw...they should wrap bacon around him & throw him in with the dogs that he made fight.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:43 — Bonnie (Visitor)
It really isn't enough time. Should have gotten a year for each dog. THEIR THE ONE'S THAT SUFFERED. But it's a start. Wonder if it would have been different it the bait dog was one of his kids dog's??? I have seen shows wher they still pets and use them!! SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:44 — Alison (Visitor)
The courts need to do better than that! Three years isn't long enough to think about the pain and suffering those poor animals endured! We need stronger punishments! Makes me sick thinking about those dogs fighting for their life when all they really want is to be loved! Spectators should be punished as well! No sympathy for ignorant people like that!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:44 — Rosemarie (Visitor)
Those of us who truly care about animal cruelty must get together to force the Court system to dole out much stricter and longer sentences. The maximum jail time is far too lenient!! Abusing an innocent creature who is unable to defend itself is a major crime, and it must be treated as such!!!!

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:44 — Andy Whiteman (Visitor)
The sentences should hve been consecutive to make a total of 5 years

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:44 — Eileen DiCosola (Visitor)
3 years is a start but he should never be allowed to own a dog and must register as a animal abuser. He should also be required to have conseling. Dog fighting is a front to other more serious crimes....drug, family abuse etc

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:44 — Kelly Erickson (Visitor)
You know he will be out in a year and do it all over again. He should NEVER be allowed to own another animal.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:44 — Rescie (Visitor)
This is NOT the appropriate punishment, 1 year. That's all he got for the most inhumane treatment of magnificant animals. The other year was for weapons charge and I'm sure he'll get the other year off for good behavior or the jails are too full. One year is not enough to stop anyone from doing it again. We have to have stronger punishment or nothing will change.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:46 — E.C. (Visitor)
HOPE HE SERVES ALL THE TIME.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:46 — c (Visitor)
Those caught with organizing animal fighting (dogs, roosters, etc) should be convicted of a felony.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:47 — J (Visitor)
Let's put him in a basement full of dogs fighting and see what happens.

Fri, 02/15/2013 - 13:48 — LISA CASTILLO (Visitor)
I AM GLAD THIS PERSON IS DOING JAIL TIME.THIS WAY OTHER PEOPLE WHO DECIDE TO THIS TO POOR INNOCENT ANIMALS WILL HOPEFULLY THINK TWICE. WE NEED STIFFER PENALTIES FOR SUCH CRIMES. WHAT MAKES SOCIETY THINK THAT AN ANIMALS LIFE IS NO MORE IMPORTNAT THAN A PERSONS LIFE!!! WE ALL FEEL PAIN AND LOVE. THANKS FOR THE OUTSTANDING WORK.

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