Nearly 200 dogs seized from ex-NFL player in dogfighting case

Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly running a large dogfighting operation in Oklahoma, resulting in the seizure of 190 dogs—reportedly the most ever taken from a single individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice. Charged with possessing pit bull-type dogs for an animal fighting venture, Johnson also faces accusations of selling, transporting, and delivering dogs for the same purpose.

According to court documents, the dogfighting operation, named "Mal Kant Kennels," operated in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, with the dogs being confiscated by authorities in October 2024. Johnson's previous history includes a guilty plea to state animal fighting charges in 2004, which resulted in a five-year deferred sentence.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of animal abuse, declaring it "cruel and depraved," and affirmed the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecute such cases rigorously to protect innocent animals. Meanwhile, Johnson's lawyer, Courtney R. Jordan, has opted not to comment on the ongoing case.

The allegations against Johnson indicate that he bred dogs that had participated in multiple fights and profited by selling "stud rights" and their offspring to other fighters. This alleged trafficking is said to have contributed to the growth of the dogfighting industry across the U.S.

If convicted, Johnson could face significant penalties, including up to five years in prison for each charge and a fine of $250,000. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the bureau's intolerance for animal cruelty and positioned such investigations as critical in tackling larger organized crime issues. Johnson is known for his NFL career as a running back with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994-1999.