Hanson man pleads guilty to federal dogfighting charges

A Hanson man pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of keeping a dog at his home for dog fighting, authorities announced.

John Murphy, 51, pleaded guilty to nine counts of possessing animals for use in an attempted animal control, a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. he said in a statement.

Levy called Murphy’s actions the embodiment of the “calculated cruelty and inhumanity” of dogfighting, describing it as the “barbaric” exploitation and harm of animals for profit.

“This case marks the first time federal criminal charges have been filed in the District of Massachusetts under the Animal Welfare Act and underscores the seriousness of these crimes and our determination to hold accountable those who participated in this heinous behavior,” Levy said. “We urge anyone with information about animal fighting or abuse to come forward and report it.”

Prosecutors said Murphy was identified by investigators in 2021 in recorded conversations with a dogfight target in New York talking about a dogfight. A search of his Facebook accounts revealed Murphy had been involved in dogfighting for years, including photos and videos of restrained and injured dogs.

In June 2023, 13 “pit bull type” dogs were seized from Murphy’s home and another residence in Townsend. Investigators searching Murphy’s home also found items related to dogfighting, including breeding, training and other materials, according to prosecutors.

Levy’s office said the dogs are currently in the custody and care of a U.S. Marshals Service contractor.

Murphy faces up to five years in prison for each of the nine charges against him.

Authorities urge anyone with information about animal cruelty crimes to contact local law enforcement or the federal hotline at: usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.