Man Arrested For Operating Dog Fighting Venture In Placerville

A Placerville man kept 27 pit bulls on his property and used them for dog fighting, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said on Thursday.

Man Arrested For Operating Dog Fighting In Placerville

Carlos Villasenor, 38, was booked on charges of possession of dogs for use in an animal fighting venture, according to reports.

The dogs were seized during a search warrant that was served on June 17, the DOJ said. Many of the dogs had untreated health conditions and one had injuries to its face consistent with injuries suffered from an attack with another dog. Paperwork was found that showed Villasenor owned dogs used in dog fighting.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office previously said the dogs were being bred and sold to fight.

Officials said items related to dog fighting were found on the property, including a breeding stand, treadmills, and vet supplies like skin staplers, antibiotics, syringes and IV bags.

If convicted, Villasenor could be sentenced to five years in prison and receive a fine of up to $250,000, in addition to having to pay restitution for the rehabilitation and care of the dogs.

“This investigation and indictment should send a strong zero-tolerance message to those individuals who profit in inflicting pain and suffering on animals,” said Patricia Contreras, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. “We appreciate the commitment of our federal partners in pursuing these purveyors of death who operate animal fighting ventures.”

Comments

The Real Risks: Weighing Vaccine Side Effects vs. Deadly Diseases

Some dog owners express concern about vaccine risks. Meanwhile, preventable diseases continue to pose a documented threat. For example, a two-year pause in dog rabies vaccination campaigns in Haiti resulted in a five to eightfold increase in animal rabies cases within a single year, creating a public health crisis that required an emergency response. This event illustrates a central fact: the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases are quantifiably greater than the known risks associated with vaccination. This article will address concerns about vaccine safety by examining the precise nature of both vaccine risks and disease threats, using verifiable data to support informed decision-making for your dog's health. The Biological Impossibility of Canine Autism The claim that vaccines cause autism in dogs is not supported by veterinary science due to fundamental biological reasons. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a human neurodevelopmental condition. Its diagnosis depends on asses...

5 Must-Ask Questions Before You Leave Your Dog at the Groomer

A 2022 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior noted that over 50% of dogs show signs of stress during grooming. While severe physical injuries are less common, a single preventable incident is one too many. Cases like those in Louisiana, where dogs received ocular chemical burns from misused shampoo at a licensed facility, demonstrate that a groomer’s marketing claims are not a guarantee of safety. Your dog’s well-being depends on the protocols you cannot see. The only way to evaluate them is to ask direct, specific questions. The goal is not to create conflict, but to identify competence and build trust based on transparent practices. 1. “What is your exact step-by-step protocol for protecting my dog’s eyes during the bath?” The difference between a safe groom and a dangerous one lies in the specifics of execution. Indicator of a Professional “Before the bath, we apply a sterile, vet-approved ophthalmic ointment to lubricate the eyes and create a barrier against shampoo. We av...

The Practical Path to a Pet-Friendly Rental: A Data-Backed Guide

“I would have lived in a tent before I surrendered my dog ,” says Valerie Ducharme, a renter who faced the Yukon's housing crisis with her Australian shepherd. Her sentiment is common. According to a 2023 Canadian Rental Housing Index report , nearly 40% of rental households include pets, yet a systematic analysis of listings in major Canadian markets shows that less than 30% explicitly welcome them. This gap creates a logistical and emotional crisis for responsible pet owners . This guide provides a concrete strategy based on documented landlord concerns and successful tenant approaches. It replaces hope with a structured plan. 1. Reframe the Conversation from Problem to Solution Landlords decline pets based on rational risk assessment. The documented primary concerns are: Property damage (chewed moldings, stained carpets) Noise disturbances leading to tenant turnover Liability issues (dog bites) Residual allergens affecting future tenants Your application must address these poin...

Trojanpost