SPRING HILL, Fla. – A Spring Hill man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in dog fighting and illegal possession of a firearm. Jose Miguel Carrillo pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Carrillo participated in a dog fighting operation that involved buying, breeding, and training dogs for fights. He hosted dog fights at his home and traveled to attend fights in other states, including Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut.
In June 2023, a search warrant executed at Carrillo’s home led to the seizure of 10 pit bull-type dogs, a firearm, ammunition, and various dog fighting paraphernalia.
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“To its core, dog fighting is a cruel and criminal exploitation of animals for entertainment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message that the Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases.”
This case highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in combating animal cruelty and ensuring the safety of the community.
“Exploiting and endangering the welfare of animals for personal gain is cruel and abhorrent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, justice was served.”
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The USDA-OIG, ATF, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from several other agencies.
To report animal fighting crimes, contact your local law enforcement or the USDA-OIG’s complaint hotline at usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.
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