Bronx Dog Fighters Face Justice - THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

MORE INFO HERE:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/06/15/2008-06-15_16_pitbulls_found_in_bronx_dogfighting_h.html
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/13875/NY/US/
http://stopdogfightingnownyc.wetpaint.com/page/Bronx%20Dog%20Fighters%20Found%20Guilty-%20Sentencing%20on%20Wednesday,%20March%2017,%202010


On March 17, 2010, Alexander Estephane and Juan Toledo, convicted dog fighters, will be sentenced by Judge Cassandra Mullen in Bronx County Supreme Court – 265 East 165th Street – Bronx, NY 10451 – Part 22 – 9:00 A.M.

NYC animal advocates, humane organizations, community boards, politicians and the public, have thus far responded with a deafening silence, only a handful attending the trial. ATTEND THE SENTENCING! PACK THE COURTROOM AND THE STREET OUTSIDE THE COURTHOUSE! We must unite and show our support for the victims. DO NOT LET THEIR DEATHS BE IN VAIN.

Alexander Estephane, 45, of 108 East 179th Street, the Bronx, and Juan Toledo, 40, of Paterson, New Jersey, were found guilty of one count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The jury convicted Estephane under section 351-2(d) which makes it illegal to permit animal fighting to occur on a premises that is under his control. Toledo was convicted under section 351-2(a) which prohibits causing an animal to engage in fighting for amusement or gain. The prohibition of animal fighting is an unclassified felony offense punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.

The crime occurred on June 14, 2008 in the basement of Estephane’s home which had been converted into a dog fighting ring made of plywood. Authorities recovered 16 pit bulls, including a badly injured dog in a cage that later succumbed to its wounds. Other animals were rescued from cages in other areas of the house
and in the backyard.

Investigators also recovered break sticks, which were used to disengage fighting dogs by unlocking their jaws, and syringes filled with testosterone to make
the animals more aggressive.

The discovery of this illegal enterprise involving animal cruelty was the result of information developed by the New Jersey State Police during an investigation into dog fighting in New Jersey.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Brandler and James Goward of the Rackets Bureau.