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 that resulted in 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. Johnson, based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, faces charges for possessing pit bull-type dogs intended for fighting as well as for selling and transporting dogs for this purpose.

The dogs were confiscated from Johnson’s establishment, purportedly named "Mal Kant Kennels," in October 2024. Court documents suggest that Johnson had been breeding dogs that had participated in multiple fights and was involved in trafficking them across the United States to expand the dogfighting industry, thus profiting from these illegal activities.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi has emphasized the severity of animal abuse, underscoring the commitment of the Department of Justice to pursue the case vigorously. She stated that the treatment of innocent animals is inhumane and warrants serious consequences. If convicted, Johnson could potentially face up to five years in prison for each count, in addition to hefty fines.

In the past, Johnson pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in 2004 and received a five-year deferred sentence. His involvement in dogfighting is not new, and the current charges could further amplify his legal troubles and the consequences he might face.

FBI Director Kash Patel expressed the agency’s zero tolerance for animal cruelty, highlighting that such investigations often correlate with larger organized crime issues. The case against Johnson represents a continued effort by the FBI to address violent offenders who exploit animals for entertainment.