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
179 Candy T. THIS IS TOTALLY UNEXPECTABLE!! THESE ATHLETES THINK LAWS DON’T APPLY TO THEM. MONEY TALKS!!! CRUELTY IS CRUELTY!! TIME TO START SETTING EXAMPLES! I CAN TELL YOU IF YOU HAND THAT ASSHOLE OVER TO AN ANIMAL LOVER, THAT CRUEL ASSHOLE WOULD KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE TORN TO BITS!! OH BUT THAT’S INHUMANE??? COME ON, ANIMAL CRUELTY HAS TO STOP! 0 Apr 03, 2025
178 Amanda C. 0 Apr 03, 2025
177 Tracy R. Harsh penalty must be given. Enough is enough with animal abuse!!! 0 Apr 03, 2025
176 Connie G. 0 Apr 03, 2025
175 Dorothy D. Animals matter 0 Apr 03, 2025
174 Joy K. 0 Apr 03, 2025
173 Lorraine V. THANK U FOR BUSTING THE OPERATION. THAT’S THE 1ST STEP. 🆘 NOW HE DESERVES A VERY HEAVY FINE, IMPRISONMENT A N D CANNOT GO NEAR ANIMALS WITHIN 5 FEET. 0 Apr 03, 2025
172 Rick R. 0 Apr 03, 2025
171 Rachel D. Punishment to the fullest 0 Apr 03, 2025
170 Lesa R. P.O.S. 0 Apr 03, 2025
169 Gina E. 0 Apr 03, 2025
168 Susie M. Lock this scumbag up 0 Apr 03, 2025
167 Otis G. Jail for ever 0 Apr 03, 2025
166 Lori Ann R. 0 Apr 03, 2025
165 Elizabeth M. 0 Apr 03, 2025
164 Cathy W. 0 Apr 03, 2025
163 Karen J H. 0 Apr 03, 2025
162 Christine F. 0 Apr 03, 2025
161 Jordynn K. 0 Apr 03, 2025
160 Cricket K. PLEASE put him on trial and have the maximum penalty given to him-hopefully life in prison!!! 0 Apr 03, 2025
159Anonymous He deserves the worst punishment 0 Apr 03, 2025
158 Jewell M. Horrible!!! May karma show him the same 0 Apr 03, 2025
157 Chery L. 0 Apr 03, 2025
156 Monica M. 0 Apr 03, 2025
155 Jacqueline P. 0 Apr 03, 2025
154 Amanda F. 0 Apr 03, 2025
153 Mary E. Life without parole 0 Apr 03, 2025
152 Sharon H. 0 Apr 03, 2025
151 Robert L. People like this should be jailed for life. They are a danger to animals and humans,including children. Please give him,the harsh sentence that he deserves. 0 Apr 03, 2025
150 Michelle H. This POS deserves to rot in jail & they throw away the key. Five years isn’t long enough for this piece of garbage🤬🤬🤬🤬 0 Apr 03, 2025
149 Jean S. 0 Apr 03, 2025
148 Jennifer M. 0 Apr 03, 2025
147 Jenna I. These type of people DO NOT BELONG ON THE PLANET 0 Apr 03, 2025
146 Heather L. 0 Apr 03, 2025
145Anonymous needs the max ! 0 Apr 03, 2025
144 Eve M. 0 Apr 03, 2025
143 Nina J. Makes me sick 0 Apr 03, 2025
142 Anthony B. 0 Apr 03, 2025
141 Debra L. 0 Apr 03, 2025
140 Sarah W. Put this monster to death!!!!! He obviously cannot be rehabilitated. He was already given a chance to change, and he didn’t!!! Don’t give him another chance to kill more innocent animals. Give him the exact same treatment his forced on all of these poor innocent creatures, which is death!!! Send a message to all people who are doing this!!!!! 0 Apr 03, 2025
139 Franklin M. 0 Apr 03, 2025
138 Tara K. 0 Apr 03, 2025
137 GayleSheffer S. Evil traits. You don’t deserve any leniency! 0 Apr 03, 2025
136 Tomiko R. I guess Michael Vick isn’t they only POS around. Use Johnson as an/a prime example and make sure he is never released ever. 0 Apr 03, 2025
135 Vicky j. 0 Apr 03, 2025
134 Jacqueline M. Disgusting evil cruelty 0 Apr 03, 2025
133 Carmen R. 0 Apr 03, 2025
132 Donita E. 0 Apr 03, 2025
131 Michael A. 0 Apr 03, 2025
130 Caroline F. Outrageous 🤬🤬🤬 0 Apr 03, 2025