Man sentenced on dog fighting charges

This week Kevin Warren, 52, of River Rouge, was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to two counts related to his engagement in dog fighting, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced. Warren additionally owes the Michigan Humane Society $1,580.82 in restitution, must undergo cognitive behavioral therapy, and is not allowed to own any dogs for the duration of his probation.

In 2020, a complaint was made to Michigan Humane Society about possible dog fighting involving Kevin Warren and dogs at his residence. A search of his residence on September 2, 2020, revealed 3 dogs with physical injuries consistent with fighting. A puppy was also seized from his residence; his physical exam was normal likely because the puppy was too young to fight. Moreover, there were supplements at his residence presumably used to treat wounds. A search of Warren’s Facebook accounts showed communications dating back to March 2019, relating to breeding and selling dogs for fighting.

“Dog fighting is a cruel and brutal practice that has nothing to do with sport,” said Nessel. “In Michigan we are going to prosecute the violent training and fighting of dogs as both the inhumane treatment of animal life that it is as well as the needless and vicious threat to public safety it imposes on our neighborhoods.”

The Michigan Humane Society received the initial complaint on Kevin Warren and conducted the early stages of the investigation, partnering with law enforcement and the attorney general’s office to eventually prosecute Warren for his crimes.

“Dog fighting, like any act of animal cruelty, is not simply a crime against an animal. It is a crime against our community and all who call it home,” said President and CEO of the Michigan Humane Society Matthew Pepper. “We are proud of our partnership with the attorney general’s office towards ensuring that those who prey on victims, people or pet, are held accountable.”

“In the 30 years that I have been an investigator, I have never seen anyone receive mandated therapy,” said Mark Ramos, community resources manager at the Michigan Humane Society. “Mandated cognitive behavioral therapy is unprecedented and gets to the whole issue because it forces defendants to think through their actions as opposed to probation and fines. This is a huge win for all people, animals, and communities.”