COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man was sentenced to four years in state prison after authorities found a dogfighting ring in a Columbus home.
In April 2019, 21 dogs were removed from the home on Dexter Avenue after authorities executed a search warrant for 34-year-old German Sanchez on the suspicion of drug trafficking and dogfighting.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, 13 pit bulls, seven puppies and one Yorkshire Terrier were taken from the home.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said all of the dogs were dehydrated, they had skin infections and some had open ulcers on their tails.
One of the dogs was dead.
Large amounts of various drugs, a firearm and dogfighting paraphernalia were also seized.
O'Brien said after initially facing 36 counts, Sanchez was sentenced on several charges: eight counts of dogfighting, one count of cruelty to animals and one count of trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound.
