DOG FIGHTER DOWN THANKS TO OUR FORENSIC VET
Looks like the South Carolina legal system is keeping dog fighters on a tight leash. We applaud the vigorous prosecution of Phillip Michael Maffei by Allen Myrick and Dale Scott of the South Carolina Attorney General's office, on felony charges of dog fighting. The Colleton Co. man was found guilty on all four felony charges related to this crime, and the ill treatment of animals at his home in Walterboro, SC, from where state and local law enforcement officials removed at least 10 pit bulls, as well as dog fighting training paraphernalia, last year. Maffei was sentenced to three years in prison, in addition to three years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
Dr. Melinda Merck, forensic veterinarian with the ASPCA, was asked to assist in the investigation of this case by the South Carolina Attorney General's office. While in court, she testified on her analysis of all the evidence, including evidence she collected from the dog fighting pit in her role as "animal CSI." Her expert testimony, including testimony on the blood spatter and DNA evidence, directly linked several of the defendant's dogs to the dog fighting pit and endeavor. It is extremely rare for a forensic veterinarian to be allowed to testify on DNA evidence in such a case—this task is usually left to conventional DNA experts.
"We are extremely pleased that the Attorney General's office prosecuted this case so vigorously," said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA, "and that one of our staff was able to make such a vital contribution to the prosecution of this case. We applaud the South Carolina legal system in seeing that justice was done for the animals."
"Dogfight is not only illegal, it is an extremely disturbing and violent practice," said Dr. Randall Lockwood, senior vice president, Anti-Cruelty Initiatives & Legislative Services for the ASPCA. "It is gratifying that justice was served after so many animals suffered as a result of this man's cruelty."
And so, another victory for the ASPCA; our mission continues to provide the effective means of prevention of cruelty to animals, and is the major focus of its Anti-Cruelty Initiatives department.
Dr. Melinda Merck, forensic veterinarian with the ASPCA, was asked to assist in the investigation of this case by the South Carolina Attorney General's office. While in court, she testified on her analysis of all the evidence, including evidence she collected from the dog fighting pit in her role as "animal CSI." Her expert testimony, including testimony on the blood spatter and DNA evidence, directly linked several of the defendant's dogs to the dog fighting pit and endeavor. It is extremely rare for a forensic veterinarian to be allowed to testify on DNA evidence in such a case—this task is usually left to conventional DNA experts.
"We are extremely pleased that the Attorney General's office prosecuted this case so vigorously," said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA, "and that one of our staff was able to make such a vital contribution to the prosecution of this case. We applaud the South Carolina legal system in seeing that justice was done for the animals."
"Dogfight is not only illegal, it is an extremely disturbing and violent practice," said Dr. Randall Lockwood, senior vice president, Anti-Cruelty Initiatives & Legislative Services for the ASPCA. "It is gratifying that justice was served after so many animals suffered as a result of this man's cruelty."
And so, another victory for the ASPCA; our mission continues to provide the effective means of prevention of cruelty to animals, and is the major focus of its Anti-Cruelty Initiatives department.
Labels: Press Release
posted by ASPCA at 9:23 AM PERMALINK
21 Comments:
I think Michael Vick should face very stiff punishment for what he took part in.I believe that he should get prison time for it as well as never being allowed to play in football leagues again.I also believe he should be branded as a person who's very cruel to innocent animals.He definately needs to be made an example of what we as animal lover's will not stand for.I hope someday God punishes him very harshly! I hope he has to feel eveything he done to those innocent animals. Thank You for your time. Linda Diehl
I went on line and seen were these animals were being abuse .And fight .It makes me sick.Why these people dont get a real job.I dont no.But they will pay for what they have done .Fighting innocent animals is very sad.Because i have Five of my own.They are my babies.And i cant imagine someone taking my babies and doing that to them.But if you fight dogs you should go to jail.And if you put them to death because they lost a fight .then you should spend the rest of your life in prison.Because we dont have a law for our animals.So we have to put up with hering about these poor littleones being fight.Here they might get a fine.If we are lucky.And that makes me sick.But if i had my way about this they would be in trouble.Like one day i went to the river to swim.And their lay some pitts in bags were they had fight them .And i went home and call the law and they could not do nothin about it.so now i take it on my own to look for these things .And if i fine these things happen.I report them right then.So i hope that we get alaw before long.So god bless each and ever animal . THANK YOU
I have always believed what you do..right or wrong, comes back to you two-fold. I believe "people" like Mr. Vick and his co-horts will reap what they sowed.
I have always thought the punishment way too light on criminals such as these...anyone that uses innocents to fight and make money, needs to go to jail and be treated like the slugs that they are. If caught, I feel that they should be put in a caged area, fed bread and water, and when about 100 of the dregs had been collected...taken to an arena, given a big stick to defend and beat with. The winner is then shot in both feet and dropped into the ocean. Works for me!
Sure I think it is great when the "forensic vets" help convict guilty people. In the case of Phil Maffei I would like to know how they sleep at night knowing they helped in convicting an innocent man and took him from his three children and family. The children do not have a mother. Sure, you're task force has made some publicity which is really all it was out to get. Congratulations, sleep well.
I think that taking Vick, somehow getting dog smells all over him, then put him a room with some of the dogs that he trained to fight.
That is one way to get rid of this piece of scum. Hey Atlanta!!! if you dare to get Vick back on the team, payback will be a BI**CH.
It is amazing to me that if you are an athlete you can get away with just anything. These people are supposed to role models for the young but they do drugs, get drunk, shoot or beat up people and get a slap on the wrist. Now comes a man who takes delites and makes money in training (torturing) dogs to fight and kill other dogs. There is no punishment cruel enough for a man like this. The dogs themselves will pay the price, and they are the innocent victims of a famous man and his lust for a bloody sport he merely watched.
THANK GOD! he used to be my fav football player but now..forget it..im an animal luver but ANYBODY who hurts animals idk who u are. u got to go...he should be kicked out of the NFL and go to prison. he is a animal cruelty spotlight...go away MV!
I agree I think that Vick should never be seen again on a football field. I also think that this is something that is unforgivable, however, he will face God for this and only God can deside what id fair. All I have to say is this let him go to prision the things that happened to those beautiful, faithful dogs will happen to him, that strong man with all the money. There is not a dumb judgeor jury that will or should let him get away with this. My God have mercy on his soul.
Emma Menning
I think they should put HIM in a closed in ring with several pathos criminals equipped with torture devices and let HIM FEEL a great deal of pain.
Anonymous said...
Sure I think it is great when the "forensic vets" help convict guilty people. In the case of Phil Maffei I would like to know how they sleep at night knowing they helped in convicting an innocent man and took him from his three children and family. The children do not have a mother. Sure, you're task force has made some publicity which is really all it was out to get. Congratulations, sleep well.
1:26 PM
snipped for a reply
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I know I will sleep like a baby but not for long. There are more sociopaths out there, just like Phil Maffei. Just remember one thing, it is a felony to even associate or attend a dog fight.
Watch your P's and Q's, sounds like you have attended a few with Maffei. Better get a cleaner hobby, preferably one that doesn't torture, maim and kill innocent defenseless animals.
Oh yea, and his SON called the law on your buddy. So much for the sympathized "kids losing poor Dad", thingy. As for the missing Mom in the household. What did he do, kill her too?
These kind of trash human (sic)beings that dog fight are sociopath's and have no room in our society. I am actually very disappointed in the charges and the sentence. I think he deserves no less than 9 years for the 9 dogs he had on his dog fighting property. What a scum bag.
Any one involved with in any phase of dogfighting or any other type of animal brutality(like cock fighting, etc., )be it breeding, procurring sites and events or just attending for entertainment should be met with the stiffest of penalties for all invovled.....But know I hear, this latest Mike Vick mess that defendnats are been given the option of plea bargins, which they are taking. Will this perfect opportunity for educating the masses & well publized example be wasted by letting these low-lifes get off easy??? Additionlly, pit bulls already getting a "bad rap" with unfair treatment from most so-called animal shelters and the general public due media-lust for sensationalism at any cost. THERE ARE NO BAD DOGS, JUST BAD OWNERS or purposely inhuman people. Where is the efforts from the national organizations, preporting humane services to defend all animals and who should be lobbying for state and federal legislation or the advocates for these unfortunate being who have no voice or laws to protect them????? This should be treated on the same level as child abuse!!!
i think vicks or anyone involved in dogfighting should be punished to the fullest extent the law allows.infact it should be mandatory. no exceptions should be made for vicks. laws should be made tougher for this kind of cold an heartless crimes.its a shame. i dont no how he sleeps at nite.
The first animal cruelity case was filed under the child abuse laws! In reading all this, I am sickened by Michael Vick and his plea outs, no more plea outs for abusers! I have rescued animals for 43 yrs. I do not believe God would have had Noah build an Ark if God didn't think animals were a crucial part of our society such as law enforcement, companionship etc. I'm from a very small town in Mew Mexico where we recently banned cock fighting thank God. Louisana still allows this. When I look for animal cruelity laws for New Mexico, I find none! I read a blog where a person said yes we all hate it but are we lobbying for stronger laws? One reason the drunk drivers get away with so much is because most of the judges are drunks. Also in our shelter here you have to pass a background check with the police and sheriffs dept. to even volunteer. This is 1 awesome step to stop animal abuse even in shelters. I am willing to go undercover and expose as many animal abusers as I possibly can. I am willing to advocate for stronger laws in the New Mexico area, let's all ban together what ever state your in and lobby. If you are around the New Mexico area and would like to do the same you may e-mail me @ melmay52@yahoo. Now let's ban together, with professionalism, courtesy, and unrelenting assertiveness. Do you dare?
I AM SO HAPPY THAT THAT WAS DONE HE NEED TO FACE HARD PUNNISHMENT FOR WHAT HE DID FIGHTING ANIMALS IS HORRIBLE AND I FEEL THAT PEOPLE WHO DO IT HAVE A COLE HEART.IT REALLY HURTS ME TO THINK THAT MILLION OF DOGS ARE BEING RAISED TO FIGHT IT MAKES ME WANNA CRY ITS SO HORRIBLE.
I HATE Michael Vick. How could anyone do something like that? Michael Vick deserves harsh punishment. No animal or human should be treated like that. He should send money to the ASPCA. I don't believe he is really sorry for what he did.
-TEEN CAT LADY
in my opinion i think that Michael Vick did have something to do with this gog fighting incident but i dont htink that he should get kicked out of the N.F.L. because he put up some money to bet.I agree that he should get punished for what he did but getting kicked out of the N.F.L. i think thats a lil dicrimmination. Harriel.moore
I was saddened to see that even after Phil Maffei was found guilty of animal cruelty on numerous counts, that the judge gave him a break and only sentenced him to 3 years. Many said "what goes around, comes around", and years ago he used to have dobermans and train them to attack people. When it wasnt animals, it was people smaller than him (not many as he is a small man himself, but a few were out there) and he treated them just like the pitbulls or worse. I think the 3 years jail isn't long enough for his treatment of others in this world but we are all judged by one last time in life when the good lord chooses where we go.
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Sure I think it is great when the "forensic vets" help convict guilty people. In the case of Phil Maffei I would like to know how they sleep at night knowing they helped in convicting an innocent man and took him from his three children and family. The children do not have a mother. Sure, you're task force has made some publicity which is really all it was out to get. Congratulations, sleep well.
1:26 PM
snipped for a reply
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I know I will sleep like a baby but not for long. There are more sociopaths out there, just like Phil Maffei. Just remember one thing, it is a felony to even associate or attend a dog fight.
Watch your P's and Q's, sounds like you have attended a few with Maffei. Better get a cleaner hobby, preferably one that doesn't torture, maim and kill innocent defenseless animals.
Oh yea, and his SON called the law on your buddy. So much for the sympathized "kids losing poor Dad", thingy. As for the missing Mom in the household. What did he do, kill her too?
These kind of trash human (sic)beings that dog fight are sociopath's and have no room in our society. I am actually very disappointed in the charges and the sentence. I think he deserves no less than 9 years for the 9 dogs he had on his dog fighting property. What a scum bag.
3:02 PM
No, Phil did not "kill the Mom", at least not in the buried sense. The Mom was in an abusive relationship with Phil and one day he kicked her out of the house, changed the locks and said she no longer lived there. She had no money, he made her use the same lawyer, but what the lawyer read to her was not what she signed. (she didnt know that) and he ended up taking the kids away from her and refusing to let her see them. She fought for years to make it right, but as one lawyer and judge said "it was so wrong that they couldnt make it right". Eventually she moved out of state becuase no court, no judge, not even the police could stop the abuse. Even though her Kids were told that she didnt want them, and told to hate her, and she always loved them and will always love them because she is their mother. He may have killed her spirit, her heart and her hopes and dreams back then, but she did survive and move on. She still hangs on to the knowledge that "what goes around, comes around" and knows that all things eventually are made right in life. The good will win, and those that hurt others for fun will eventually be caught.
Phil Maffei was found quilty after a very through investigation by very compitent people who know the law. To say that he "just happened to have 10 abused and beaten" pitbulls on his property as pets is a delision on the part of anyone even thinking he could be innocent. Guilty, Guilty, Guilty. I wish the Judge had actually given him what the law said he could have gotten. 3 years is not enough for the kind of person he is. The sad part is he always puts himself and his needs first and never takes into consideration how others might be effected or hurt by his actions. His poor wife now has to sell the home and his childrens lives are once again messed up so he could fulfill some sick pleasure he has of hurting animals. Maybe time in jail (even if it is brief) will do him some good.
I beleive this vick or anyone who can do this terrible, inhumane , discusting, horrible thing like this to a poor innocent dog,and for all you idiots that could even sit and watch, let alone force this kind of thing to happen, you ought to be thrown in a ring with the rest of the dog abusers and murderers,and some dogs that you did this to,and i hope they do a number on you, because if any of you cowards had to endure the pain
and agony that these poor dogs had to, mabe this horrible thing wouldn't be happening. why should tax payers pay for you morons to sit in jail? you need to be hung or drowned ,or electricuted. and see how you feel.i beleive an eye for an eye.you are all cowards to have to do such a horrible awful thing to a living animal. you don't deserve to live.
how sick can you be to do something so horrible to an innocent animal
that only wants to love you and for someone to love it.this is not a normal act.this is torture and abuse and whoever does this to an animal should pay the same price,as these poor dogs. you should feel every last pain as they did and do. I DON'T HAVE MERCY FOR YOU.ANYONE WITH A HEART, OR FEELINGS COULD NOT DO SUCH A TERRIBLE THING LIKE THIS.
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