Lee County, Florida – A father and son duo is facing multiple dogfighting-related felony charges after the authorities discovered 16 bloodied and injured dogs at two properties in Lee County on March 30.

According to a release from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Anthony Pew Sr. and Anthony Pew Jr. were running a dogfighting operation from properties at Aspen Avenue S. and W. 9th Street in Lehigh Acres.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno commented on the case, which is one of the largest dogfighting busts in the count, describing the conditions the dogs were found in:

“These dogs were being kept in deplorable conditions, locked in cages filled with urine and feces. Many were found malnourished and had open wounds.”

Individuals who participate in the dark underworld of dogfighting do it for one reason – the love of money, at any cost. Dogs are forced to maim and kill, and if they fail in their mission, they are typically destroyed. The bodies of the dogs found at these properties reveal the brutality that they were subjected to.

According to the authorities, the dogs received veterinary care at the local animal control agency, and some of them still require “constant medical care.”

Anthony Pew Sr. and Anthony Pew Jr. are facing a slew of felony charges. Pew Sr. is charged with seven cases of dogfighting or baiting, and one count of animal torture causing serious physical injury or death. Pew Jr. is charged with five counts of dogfighting or baiting. According to the Lehigh County Citizen, Pew Sr. is no stranger to dogfighting…he was arrested for dogfighting/baiting back in 2006.

We need your support to bring an end to this brutal madness. These men must receive a sentence that is significant enough to STOP them from doing this again. Please add your name to the petition today and help us fight for justice!

We the undersigned demand that Anthony Pew Sr. and Anthony Pew Jr. are held responsible for their participation in dogfighting/dog baiting. We are petitioning for the Pews to receive the maximum punishment allowable by law and to be prohibited from owning or residing with animals in the future.

Note: 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.

News:

CBS 12

Lehigh Acres Citizen

Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Florida-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund (1)

Pew Sr. Pew Jr

Pew Sr.

Final Update: Anthony Pew Sr. and Anthony Pew Jr. were both found guilty and sentenced. Pew Sr. was sentenced to 180 days in jail for each count (to be served concurrently) with only 2 days of credit. Probation is to be served 36 months for each count (to be served concurrently) in addition to restitution and fines; he is also banned from having contact with animals during the probation period. We are pleased with the sentencing for Anthony Pew Sr. but disappointed to learn that the State Attorney announced nolle prosse on all counts, which means they chose not to prosecute. Animal Victory thanks everyone who signed this petition and helped this case receive the attention that it deserved!

Update 12/2/2022: The trial is set to begin at 1:00 pm on 01/26/2023 courtroom 7-B for both defendants.

Update 10/20/2022: Both defendants were rescheduled to November 8th at 1:30 pm in courtroom 7-B Pew 91

Update 9/12/2022: Both defendants are scheduled for a pre-trial conference on October 4, 2022, at 1:30 pm in courtroom 7-B.

Pew Jr.

Update 8/15/2022: Anthony Pew is scheduled for a pre-trial on 8/30/2022 at 1:30 pm in courtroom 7-B.

Update 7/17/2022: The next court date is July 27th at 1:30 pm. 

Pew Sr.

Update 6/22/2022: Animal Victory has sent 15,572 signatures to the State Attorney’s Office. The state office told Animal Victory that they make a strong commitment to prosecuting animal abuse cases and that the appropriate charges have been filed in regard to these allegations.

Update 6/08/2022: Animal Victory has learned that Anthony Pew Sr. and Anthony Pew Jr. are scheduled to appear in court on 6/22/2022 for a case management conference.