Trio Plead Guilty To Operating Major Dogfighting Ring: AG

WYANDANCH, NY - Three Wyandanch men recently pleaded guilty to operating a major dogfighting ring in Suffolk, the state Attorney General's Office announced on Tuesday.

Richard Davis, 34, Taikeem Wheeler, 27, and Martin Newkirk, 49, were arrested last fall as part of “Operation Bloodline,” a year-long investigation which took down a major dogfighting ring that was actively engaged in breeding and training pit bulls for profit, according to the attorney general.

During the investigation, officials executed search warrants at 38 Birch Street and 135 Irving Avenue, where they seized evidence and rescued the pit bulls ranging in age from one week to seven years, the attorney general said.

The trio all operated three different "kennels" that actually served as a staging ground for the dogfighting ring.

The Attorney General said Davis operated the Roll Right Kennel on Birch Street, Newkirk operated the Rise 'n' Shine Kennel on Irving Avenue and Wheeler operated the Across the line Kennel on North 26th Street.

A total of 14 pit bulls were rescued from Davis' Birch Street home, more than 20 pit bulls were rescued from Newkirk's Irving Avenuehome and two pit bulls were rescued from Wheeler's N. 26th Street home, the attorney general said. More than half the dogs rescued are puppies.

All 36 of the pit bulls were found imprisoned in "deplorable" conditions, often tethered with heavy chains and separated from one another, with no visible food or drinkable water, the Attorney General said. They also had injuries consistent with earlier fights. One had an untreated broken front leg and another was significantly underweight.

Police also recovered numerous items of dogfighting paraphernalia from the homes, including bloody breaking sticks (which are designed to separate pit bulls when one's jaw becomes latched in a grip on its opponent while engaged in dogfighting), as well as numerous heavy chains, double-thick dog collars, weighted dog vests, treadmills and performance-enhancing dietary supplements, the attorney general said.

Last week before Hon. John B. Collins in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Davis and Wheeler pleaded guilty to a felony charge as well as a misdemeanor charge of prohibition of animal fighting in violation of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, the attorney general said.

In addition, Newkirk plead guilty before Collins to a felony charge of prohibition of animal fighting in violation of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, according to the attorney general.

As part of their pleas, the trio surrendered all legal rights they had to the 36 pit bulls. As a result, most of the rescued pit bulls have been placed by the ASPCA into new, safe homes since their rescue.

“This case illustrates the continuing prevalence of dogfighting in America, causing immense suffering for hundreds of thousands of dogs around the country,” ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker said. “We’re thankful for the arrest and prosecution of these vicious individuals, and remain committed to working with local law enforcement to rescue and care for victimized animals, provide critical forensic and legal support, and advocate for stronger laws and penalties until dogfighting is completely eradicated and no dog will ever have to face this kind of cruelty.”

All three men will be sentenced on June 6.

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