A Georgia man has been found guilty on multiple counts related to a dog fighting operation, according to a statement from the Department of Justice. Dun Bradford, a resident of Sale City, faced 67 counts of possessing dogs for use in animal fighting ventures and additional charges linked to drugs and firearms. On Tuesday, after a trial that spanned just two days, Bradford was convicted, the DOJ reported.
With a legal process quick to establish guilt, Bradford now possibly faces life in prison, with sentencing to be scheduled at a later date. "The cruel and inhumane realities of dogfighting are closely linked to illegal drugs, firearms and other serious crimes," U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia told in a released statement. He credited a report from a concerned citizen for bringing an end to a "long-standing criminal operation" that harmed animals and disrupted community safety.
A collaborative effort among local, state, and federal agencies brought Bradford to justice. After initial checks by the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement Office revealed multiple pit bull type dogs in a state of neglect, with some appearing aggressive, a larger operation was mobilized. According to court documents, ensuing searches of Bradford’s 17-acre property by the USDA and U.S. Marshals Service found 67 dogs chained up, often without basic necessities and showing signs of injuries from fighting.
Officials also discovered a shed containing dogfighting paraphernalia, including veterinary drugs, anabolic steroids meant for horses, and a breeding stand to forcibly breed dogs. The home also held firearms and crack cocaine, which Bradford is believed to have manufactured himself, implying a broader criminal network beyond just animal abuse. "The U.S. Marshals remain committed to supporting law enforcement in bringing those responsible for dog fighting to justice and ensuring that rescued canines are placed in protective custody, giving them a chance at a better life" U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn said, highlighting the commitment to not only arrest but to also rehabilitate the animals caught in this criminal web.
Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of the ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section and Criminal Chief Leah McEwen with the U.S. Attorney’s Office led the prosecution for this case. It falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative focusing on combating illegal immigration, cartels, and other transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crimes.
