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

Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly running a significant dogfighting operation, leading to the seizure of 190 dogs, the most ever confiscated from a single individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The operation, named "Mal Kant Kennels," was reportedly based in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma.

Johnson faces charges for possessing pit bull-type dogs for an animal fighting venture, as well as for selling, transporting, and delivering dogs for the same purpose. Following the authorities' intervention in October 2024, the dogs were removed from Johnson's custody. This case follows Johnson's previous guilty plea to state animal fighting charges in 2004, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of animal abuse, stating that it is "cruel and depraved," and pledged that the Department of Justice would pursue this case vigorously to protect innocent animals. Johnson's activities reportedly included breeding dogs that had won multiple fights and selling their offspring and "stud rights" to other dogfighters, contributing to the expansion of the dogfighting industry.

If convicted, Johnson could face penalties of up to five years in prison on each count and significant fines totaling $250,000. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted that animal cruelty investigations are critical indicators of larger organized crime and reiterated the FBI's commitment to combatting violence against animals.

A running back in the NFL from 1994 to 1999, Johnson played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants. His legal troubles now threaten to overshadow his athletic career as authorities take a stand against animal cruelty.