PRESS RELEASE

DOGFIGHTING CONVICTION IS HAILED AS MAJOR VICTORY

VIDALIA, LA (2/15/07) – The Louisiana SPCA is applauding a major victory in the war against dogfighting with yesterday’s conviction of a major dogfighter who has been considered one of the principal violators of the illegal activity in Louisiana. Clinton Bartell Schneider, Jr., who supplies fighting dogs and fights under the name Black River Kennels, was found guilty yesterday on state charges of dogfighting in Concordia Parish’s Seventh Judicial Court. Schneider goes up for sentencing on April 7, 2007 and faces a maximum ten-year prison sentence and a maximum $25,000 fine.

Kathryn Destreza, LA/SPCA’s Director of Humane Law Enforcement, served as an expert witness in this week’s trial and testified to the evidence found as being clear signs of dogfighting activity. “This is a huge win because Black River Kennels has been a major supplier in the dogfighting world. This signals a major victory in our war on this horrific bloodsport.”

Schneider’s conviction follows an August 26, 2005 raid on his property in Concordia Parish. Schneider fled the scene during the raid, but turned himself in to authorities in early November. In the raid conducted by the Concordia Sheriff’s Department and Concordia Animal Welfare, authorities confiscated 43 fighting dogs and found dogfighting paraphernalia including treadmills and break sticks commonly associated with dogfighting activity. The 43 dogs were humanely euthanized by court order in accordance with state statute declaring dogs used for fighting as contraband.

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The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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