SALE CITY, Ga. (WALB) - A well-known dog-fighting breeder and trainer in Southwest Georgia was convicted earlier this week of dozens of federal animal welfare charges, along with possessing guns and manufacturing drugs.

Dun Bradford, of Sale City, Georgia, was found guilty of 67 counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture, one count of manufacture of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime.

According to court documents and statements referenced at trial, the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement Office responded to a citizen complaint of animal tethering and neglect at a 17-acre property owned by Bradford in Sale City.

Officers observed numerous pit bull-type dogs on heavy chains outside the residence, with some exhibiting aggression toward one another. Agents and animal experts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Marshals Service were called, and search warrants were obtained and executed on the property.

Agents rescued 67 dogs on chains, many without food, water, or shelter. Many of the dogs had recent injuries and scars consistent with dog fighting, including one with severe, recent fighting wounds.

A shed on the property held a large amount of dog-fighting equipment, such as veterinary drugs and devices, anabolic horse steroids, a “breeding stand” used to forcibly breed dogs, training and execution items, and paper pedigrees documenting the fighting history of the dogs.

Evidence presented at trial showed Bradford’s home was an area that was used for a long time to breed and train dogs for fighting. Officers also found firearms in Bradford’s home and crack cocaine, along with evidence that the crack was manufactured in Bradford’s kitchen.

“The defendant had extensive involvement in dog fighting and had garnered a reputation as a dog fighting breeder and trainer, which is an especially brutal pursuit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “His conviction highlights local, state, and federal law enforcement working together and applying our expertise and resources to rescue 67 abused dogs and get a notorious player out of the dog fighting criminal enterprise.”

U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia said the case demonstrates the connection between dog fighting and other crimes.

“The cruel and inhumane realities of dogfighting are closely linked to illegal drugs, firearms and other serious crimes,” Keyes said. “Our office will use every available resource alongside our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to dismantle dog fighting organizations and bring those responsible to justice. I am grateful to the concerned citizen who reported the abused dogs, whose tip ended a long-standing criminal operation gravely harming animals and the entire community.”

U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn for the Middle District of Georgia said the case shows the results of law enforcement collaboration.

“This case demonstrates the good results achieved when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate to rescue dogs suffering at the hands of those involved in dog fighting and related crimes,” Lynn said. “The U.S. Marshals remain committed to supporting law enforcement in bringing those responsible for dog fighting to justice and ensuring that rescued canines are placed in protective custody, giving them a chance at a better life.”

Bradford faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

The case was investigated by the USDA, USMS, and the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement Office, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy with the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Criminal Chief Leah McEwen with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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