Sign: Ex-NFL Player Charged in Massive Dog-Fighting Case—190 Dogs Seized

Published: April 02, 2025 at 10:02 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Broken Arrow, OklahomaLeshon Eugene Johnson, a former NFL running back, has been charged in a large-scale dog fighting operation in Oklahoma. According to a March 25 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, 190 “pit bull type” dogs were seized from Johnson in October 2024. The federal agency commented on the size of Johnson’s cruel operation:

This is believed to be the largest number of dogs ever seized from a single person in a federal dog fighting case.

Though Johnson played for six seasons in the NFL, he turned his back on his honorable profession to embark in the dark, sadistic world of dog fighting, not once, but twice. In 2004 he pleaded guilty to dog fighting related charges at a state level for his involvement with Krazyside Kennels; he received a five-year deferred sentence for the 2004 charges.

The paltry sentence did little to deter Johnson from deciding to cruelly exploit dogs again, in an even larger operation. According to the Justice Department, Johnson “marketed and sold stud rights and offspring from winning fighting dogs to other dog fighters looking to incorporate the Mal Kant Kennels “bloodline” into their own dog fighting operations. His trafficking of fighting dogs to other dog fighters across the country contributed to the growth of the dog fighting industry and allowed Johnson to profit financially.”

Leshon Johnson bred dogs to fight, maim, and die. The dogs born into dog fighting life never stood a chance – they were thrown into pits to rip one another apart while depraved humans cheered them on.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma commented on the most recent bust:

“Dog fighting is a cruel, blood-thirsty venture, not a legitimate business or sporting activity. I applaud the investigative work of the FBI and the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in detecting and dismantling breeding operations which only serve to propagate this deplorable conduct.”

Dog fighting has no place in our society. If you are disgusted and horrified by the cruel exploitation of these innocent dogs, who are bred into a life of abhorrent violence, please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory put this man away for as long as legally possible!

Target: Trial Attorney Sarah Brown and Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand Leshon Eugene Johnson be given the maximum sentencing for the charges stemming from his massive dog-fighting operation. This greedy, depraved man has shown his blatant disregard for the law, and his indifference to the pain and suffering he inflicted, and we demand that he be held accountable for his actions. We and our supporters insist that Leshon Johnson be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for the 21-count federal indictment associated with the 2024 dog fighting raid. 

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for the innocent dogs he forced into violence but also endangers the community at large. It is imperative that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: Johnson made his first court appearance last week. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty on each count of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Animal Victory is unaware of the fate of the 190 dogs seized from Johnson.

News:

Justice Department Press Release

People

KOKO

Associated Press

NBC Sports

 

Ex-NFL Player Charged in Massive Dog-Fighting Case—190 Dogs Seized

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Latest Signatures
715 Mary D. This is the most horrid,disgusting horror!!!! I pray this disgusting POS is put out of his misery the same way he did the innocent animals!! Just HORRIBLE!!!!!!!! 0 Apr 04, 2025
714 Maureen S. Please make them pay for all the horror they put these dogs through!This has to stop in our Country.Jail time with a felony.Never to be allowed to be around animals Ever!!! 0 Apr 04, 2025
713 Cindy S. 0 Apr 04, 2025
712 Jennifer T. 0 Apr 04, 2025
711 James S. 0 Apr 04, 2025
710 Lindsie K. 0 Apr 04, 2025
709 Misty M. Send him to prison!!! 0 Apr 04, 2025
708 Debra B. 0 Apr 04, 2025
707 michael S. Lock him up and no more playing ball in the NFL!!! 0 Apr 04, 2025
706 Charlotte M. Prison sentences needed. Dog fighting is barbaric and must stop 0 Apr 04, 2025
705 Jodie M. Dog fighting is sick and degusting hurting these innocent babies,these people need to be in jail for life. 0 Apr 04, 2025
704 Debra D. No Excuse! Tighter sentences for Thugs who do this! 0 Apr 04, 2025
703 Carol G. 0 Apr 04, 2025
702 Kathy L. 0 Apr 04, 2025
701 Sharon³ T. 0 Apr 04, 2025
700 Sonja M. 0 Apr 04, 2025
699 Debbie H. 0 Apr 04, 2025
698 Dorothy M. 0 Apr 04, 2025
697 Cecile G. 0 Apr 04, 2025
696 Gisela S. 0 Apr 04, 2025
695 Julie K. Punish to the fullest extent of the law. 0 Apr 04, 2025
694 Janette H. That man needs PRISON !!!!!! 0 Apr 04, 2025
693 Ann N. 0 Apr 04, 2025
692 Carol D. 0 Apr 04, 2025
691 Carol N. 0 Apr 04, 2025
690 Anita P. This has to stop. I don’t care who you are. It’s animal cruelty & you’re an asshole! 0 Apr 04, 2025
689 Carol C. 0 Apr 04, 2025
688Anonymous 0 Apr 04, 2025
687Anonymous 0 Apr 04, 2025
686 Deborah B. 0 Apr 04, 2025
685 Carolyn C. 0 Apr 04, 2025
684 Gemma S. 0 Apr 04, 2025
683 Darlene D. Lock this pos up for 20 years and never allow him to play football again. 0 Apr 04, 2025
682 P G. 0 Apr 04, 2025
681 D G. 0 Apr 04, 2025
680 C G. 0 Apr 04, 2025
679 Louise Elaine G. Put him prison for life or give him the death penalty. This act isn't even human. 0 Apr 04, 2025
678 Lori P. Piece of garbage, I hope he spends the rest of his life in jail, or worse! 0 Apr 04, 2025
677 Chris H. I dearly hope for the sake of all the dogs who've been killed, maimed & harmed by a man that's had prior involvement & rec'd only a slap on the wrist has plenty of charges (Not included in article)lobbed against him to get him actual prison time this go 'round. Apparently he's been at this a while to have 180 dogs in his possession, with his prize (probably not the proper term) sires garnering big money for breeding services. I'm rather baffled as to how he's been able to get by doing this considering he's been adjudicated in the past for something similar? For the sake of the dogs, who've lost their lives as a result of this man, I hope Lady Justice prevails with proper Punishment for this Monster. May his punishment include incarceration (for the dogs, who suffered at his hands), huge fines, years of probation upon release & for him to NEVER have another animal in his possession for the remainder of his life . Thank you. 0 Apr 04, 2025
676 Sandra R. If laws continue to be lenient in these cases then there will never be justice for the victims nor an end to thus vile trade. 0 Apr 04, 2025
675 Rebecca W. He should never have animals and they should spend time in jail and find a big fan 0 Apr 04, 2025
674 Joseph B. 0 Apr 04, 2025
673 Kim O. 0 Apr 04, 2025
672 Debbie C. 0 Apr 04, 2025
671 Karen M. Please make an example out of this piece of shit. No deals maximum sentence and maximum fines make him support several rescues completely 0 Apr 04, 2025
670 Susan P. Sick people lock him up 0 Apr 04, 2025
669 Jonathan W. Horrible person belongs in jail for life 0 Apr 04, 2025
668Anonymous 0 Apr 04, 2025
667 Rhonda H. 0 Apr 04, 2025
666 Sandra L. 0 Apr 04, 2025