A federal jury has convicted a Southwest Georgia man of running a massive dog-fighting operation after authorities discovered a rural property filled with injured animals, weapons, and a drug manufacturing lab.
Dun Bradford, a resident of Sale City, was found guilty earlier this week on dozens of federal charges, including 67 counts of possessing a dog for use in an animal fighting venture.
The jury also convicted him of manufacturing and possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.
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The investigation began following a tip from a concerned citizen regarding animal neglect at a 17-acre property owned by Bradford. When Mitchell County deputies and Code Enforcement officers arrived, they encountered a grim scene: dozens of pit bull-type dogs tethered by heavy chains across the yard. Many of the animals had no access to food, water, or shelter, and several were displaying aggression toward one another.
Recognizing the signs of a larger criminal enterprise, local authorities brought in agents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Marshals Service to execute search warrants.
According to evidence presented at trial, federal agents rescued 67 dogs from the site. Many of the animals bore the distinct trademarks of bloodsports, including fresh wounds and deep scarring. One dog was discovered with severe, recent injuries consistent with fighting.
A search of a shed on the property uncovered a cache of equipment used to facilitate the abuse. Investigators seized veterinary drugs, anabolic horse steroids, and items described in court documents as “training and execution items.” Agents also found a “breeding stand”—a device used to forcibly breed female dogs—and paper pedigrees tracking the fighting history of the animals.
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Inside the residence, the search revealed firearms and a quantity of crack cocaine. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Bradford was using his kitchen to manufacture the drugs.
“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.
U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes noted that the case highlights the frequent intersection of animal cruelty and other felonies.
“The cruel and inhumane realities of dogfighting are closely linked to illegal drugs, firearms and other serious crimes,” Keyes said, crediting the citizen tip for ending the “long-standing criminal operation.”
Bradford now faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The prosecution was conducted as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Department of Justice initiative designed to combat violent crime, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations by streamlining resources from various federal task forces.
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