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—marking the largest confiscation from a single individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The indictment includes charges of possessing pit bull-type dogs for an animal fighting venture and for selling, transporting, and delivering a dog for such purposes.

The allegations claim that Johnson operated "Mal Kant Kennels" from Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. His dogfighting operation was raided in October 2024, resulting in the large-scale seizure of the dogs involved. The Department of Justice has made it clear that animal cruelty will be prosecuted vigorously, highlighting the severity of such abusive practices.

Johnson is no stranger to legal troubles regarding animal fighting, having previously pleaded guilty to state charges in 2004, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence. Current charges carry the possibility of significant penalties, including up to five years in prison for each count and fines reaching $250,000.

In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency's commitment to combating animal cruelty, linking these investigations to broader criminal activities such as organized crime and trafficking. He affirmed that the FBI is taking a strong stance against those who exploit and harm animals for entertainment.

Johnson, who played as a running back for teams including the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals during his NFL career from 1994 to 1999, now faces serious legal repercussions stemming from these allegations. His lawyer has opted not to comment on the case, leaving the outcome uncertain as the legal process unfolds.