Man Charged In Minneapolis Dog Fighting Ring

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 34-year-old Minneapolis man is accused of organizing a dog fighting ring and breeding dogs for that purpose in at least eight locations, according to charges filed Friday by the Hennepin County Attorney.

Leroy Longs Jr. was charged with one felony count of animal fighting in connection with the case.

According to the charges, police received information that Longs Jr. was involved in local dog fighting and was breeding animals for dog fighting purposes. During the investigation, witnesses told police that he had dogs "all over" Minneapolis. Police were told that he's known as a dog fighter.

The complaint states police were able to track Longs Jr. to at least eight locations where he fed, walked and cleaned up after pit bulls who were being trained for dog fighting. The kennels were chained to the ground by a chain cemented under the ground. A chain was also padlocked to each dog's neck, and a key was needed to unlock the dogs.

Police said they believed the dogs were in the kennels 24 hours a day and as many as 18 dogs were involved.

Authorities seized the animals and had them evaluated. According to the complaint, several of them had scarring consistent with dog fighting. A search warrant executed at the home of Long Jr.'s children revealed he had a 240-page book on how to become a successful dog fighter.

The complaint states Longs Jr. himself owns a three-time winner in dog fighting that he uses to breed so more animals can get into dog fighting. Of the 18 dogs seized, five of them are puppies. That group included one female pit bull who was pregnant.

Longs Jr. was arrested on Wednesday and if convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.