Target: Courtney Tracy Ponthier, District Attorney for Newton County, Texas
Goal: Seek maximum allowable sentences, permanent animal-ownership and hunting bans, and mandated counseling for all suspects in the dogfighting operation where officers reportedly found 16 dogs and two actively fighting.
Authorities reportedly raided a clandestine dogfighting event and arrested 45 people after an investigation that began with a tip. As reported, deputies arriving at the rural site found 16 dogs on the property, with two animals discovered in the middle of an organized fight. Veterinary staff treated injured dogs who were described as emotionally shut down and frightened. Each disturbing detail points to calculated cruelty that allegedly monetized suffering for entertainment and profit.
According to officials, attendees came from multiple cities to watch and wager on violence. Two dogs were reportedly pulled from an active fight and rushed for treatment with wounds described as relatively superficial, yet professionals emphasized a long road of psychological recovery. The scene allegedly included kennels and paraphernalia consistent with organized animal combat, and every arrest reportedly carried a $5,000 bond.
Dogfighting fuels wider criminal activity, normalizes violence, and leaves animals with trauma that can last a lifetime. Prosecutors should pursue felony-level accountability wherever the evidence supports it, including permanent bans on animal ownership and hunting, restitution for care, and mandatory psychological evaluation and counseling. Anything less risks signaling tolerance for organized cruelty. This petition urges vigorous prosecution and sentencing that reflect the gravity of the alleged crimes.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Ponthier,
We urge you to seek the strongest lawful penalties against all suspects in the recent dogfighting raid in which officers reportedly found 16 dogs on-site and two in an active fight. Veterinary professionals have described the dogs as emotionally withdrawn and fearful, which is consistent with the terror and pain allegedly inflicted in organized animal combat.
The reported facts are stark. Dozens of arrests were made. Some attendees allegedly traveled significant distances to participate. Two injured dogs required medical care, and experts emphasized the psychological harm that remains long after the wounds close. These details depict a setting where suffering was allegedly staged, repeated, and monetized.
We ask your office to pursue felony charges where supported by evidence, seek permanent bans on animal ownership and hunting privileges, require restitution for veterinary and rehabilitation costs, and request mandatory psychological evaluation and counseling. Robust prosecution and sentencing will help deter future organized cruelty and affirm that exploiting animals for blood sport has no place in any community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: TrueBlueLacys
