Nassau Dog Fighter Gets Jail Time For Animal Abuse

A Westbury man was sentenced today to jail and a ban on owning animals after he was found guilty of abusing pit bulls in dog fights.

Jessie Jones, 64, pleaded guilty on Aug. 1 to prohibition of animal fighting and overdriving, torturing and injuring animals. He now faces six months in jail and a 10-year ban on owning animals.

“Dog fighting is a sickening blood sport that causes horrific pain and injuries to innocent animals and places an incredible burden on local animal shelters, rescue groups and taxpayers,” said Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas. “My office will continue to work tirelessly on animal crimes cases because we know when people abuse animals, they are more likely to hurt other people. I thank the ASPCA for their partnership.”

On April 19, 2019, investigators from the DA's office went to Jones's home after getting a tip about dog fighting happening there. In the backyard, the investigators found two pit bulls with open and raw wounds all over their bodies, and heavy industrial boat chains around their necks.

The investigators obtained a search warrant and searched the home, finding five more pit bulls, including two puppies, restrained with the same boat chains and with fresh bite and puncture wounds on their faces, bodies and legs.

Investigators also found dog fighting materials in the home, including a treadmill with paw prints on it, a break stick (to get dogs to stop biting), a spring pole and antibiotics to treat the dogs's wounds.

Jones was arrested on April 30.

“Despite being a felony in all 50 states, dog fighting continues to be a popular underground activity and, sadly, is more prevalent than many people realize,” said Elizabeth Brandler, senior counsel for the ASPCA Legal Advocacy. “The ASPCA is pleased to be in a position where we can support local agencies in their efforts to tackle dog fighting in their communities, and we commend the work of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for pursuing this case and holding those involved responsible for their role in this heinous form of abuse.”

Following a behavioral and forensic analysis by the ASPCA, four of the pit bulls were adopted. One dog, Dizzy, a one-and-a-half-year-old male pit bull, is still looking for a home. If you’re interested in adopting him, please email dizzyforadoption@gmail.com.