On Wednesday, August 19, Common Pleas Court Judge Roger Gordon convicted Anthony Clark of two counts of felony animal fighting for his role in a Philadelphia dog-fighting ring. Clark was also convicted on three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and a felony drug charge of possession with intent to deliver. He was immediately sentenced to a total of four to eight years in prison, which comprises a mandatory three to six years for the drug charge followed by one to two years for the dog fighting case.
The conviction ends one of hundreds of dog fighting cases reported in the city each year. On January 20, 2009, the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) joined Philadelphia police when Clark was arrested on drug charges. Two puppies and three adult pit bull mixes were found in the basement of the house where Clark lived; one dog had extensive bite wounds and needed immediate surgery, which was provided at the Pennsylvania SPCA’s headquarters on East Erie Ave. Another dog died shortly after Clark’s arrest from nerve damage in his leg, resulting from living in a cage that was too small for him.
“We agree with the judge's decision to convict this defendant and sentence him to prison,” said Assistant District Attorney Barbara Paul. “The evidence shows clearly how these animals suffered, and we are satisfied that justice was done.”
“We applaud both Judge Gordon and Assistant District Attorney Paul for their commitment to justice for the animals involved in this case,” said Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Sue Cosby. “Our statistics for animal fighting are on the increase – from approximately 200 cases in all of 2008 to 400 so far this year. We are proud of the work our officers do to fight cruelty, neglect and abuse in the city of Philadelphia and beyond, every single day.”
In addition to the sentence, Clark was ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to the Pennsylvania SPCA for the veterinary care of the dogs.
As a non-profit organization, the PSPCA relies on donations to prevent and prosecute animal abuse and neglect cases. Our Humane Law Enforcement Officers investigate an average of 17 cases per day. Please donate today at http://www.pspca.org/donate/funds or call the PSPCA at (215) 426-6300.
