- Oklahoma, USA -
On Wednesday, October 6, Judge Ray Elliott sentenced 47-years-old CASPER ONEIL INGRAM (pictured below) to only seven years in prison in an animal cruelty case related to dogfighting.
The State recommended 20 years.
In April 2020, INGRAM had pleaded guilty to nineteen counts of animal cruelty, one count of keeping a place, equipment or facility for training dogs for dogfighting and one count of owning, possessing, keeping or training dogs for fighting.
News9 reports that Billy Coyle, INGRAM’s attorney, said: “We’re grateful that the court ran the sentences concurrent to one another giving the chance at life.”
According to an article by News On 6 published on February 12, 2020, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office received a report about 10-15 dogs chained at INGRAM’s home on Northeast 50th Street in Spencer.
The complaint was received on December 11, 2019, and a search warrant was later executed on January 29, 2020.
Deputies discovered on the property twenty-four Pitbulls, all malnourished, chained to heavy stakes. Some of them were as young as 6 months old.
Investigators then found spring poles, used to strengthen dogs, bait poles, medication, vitamins, and other supplements used for dogfighting.
The VOICELESS VICTIMS were removed and examined by veterinarians.
Many of them suffered from tag marks, scars, open, fresh, and infected wounds. Others, were found with severe rubbing around their necks with exposed skin and aggressive behavior.
Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society assisted the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter in finding the furbabies new homes.
Heather Hernandez, CEO of Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society, said that “Momma,” a Pitbull likely used for breeding, had her teeth pulled and was branded. Momma thankfully found a furever home.
Sadly, in many dogfighting cases, some dogs are found to be aggressive because they are taught to be aggressive and they are unfairly euthanized.
In this case, seven innocent dogs were euthanized due to their aggressive behavior.
On February 11, 2020, INGRAM was arrested.
The Oklahoman reported on February 11, 2020, that INGRAM’s wife, CELESTE INGRAM, was also charged in “Oklahoma County District Court with 21 felonies, including 19 counts of animal cruelty. The couple are also accused of providing equipment and facilities for training dogs to fight, and keeping or training dogs for fighting.”
News9 reports that a judge handed down a seven-year deferred sentence to CELESTE INGRAM with fines in April.
With regards to the sentence handed down to CASPER ONEIL INGRAM, Heather Hernandez commented: “There is nothing and no amount of time behind bars that can bring back those animals that were killed. Those animals that were neglected, they can’t get their lives back. I wish it was longer (but) seven years is better than nothing.”
Among the twenty-four VOICELESS VICTIMS rescued from the INGRAMS’ property, there is a 4-year-old Pitbull named Lucy who is still looking for her furever home.
If you are interested in adopting her, please visit Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society’s website. Thank you!
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.