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

Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly operating a large dogfighting ring, resulting in the seizure of 190 dogs by authorities — the largest number ever taken from one 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 use in animal fighting and transporting dogs for similar purposes.

The dogs were confiscated from Johnson in October 2024, as he reportedly managed the operation known as "Mal Kant Kennels" in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. His alleged activities include breeding dogs that had won multiple fights and selling their offspring, which contributed to the growth of the dogfighting industry across the U.S.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed the seriousness of this case, stating, "Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment," affirming the Justice Department's commitment to prosecuting such offenses to protect innocent animals. Johnson previously faced similar charges in 2004, where he received a five-year deferred sentence.

If found guilty of the current charges, Johnson could face up to five years in prison for each count and a potential fine of $250,000. The FBI has also underscored the seriousness of animal cruelty investigations, linking them to larger organized crime activities and expressing a zero-tolerance policy against those who exploit animals for entertainment.

In his football career, Johnson was a running back for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999, but he now faces serious legal consequences stemming from his alleged involvement in dogfighting. His attorney, Courtney R. Jordan, has not commented on the case.