Last May, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Kansas City home and found 16 dogs being kept for dogfighting. Four of them were pregnant. By the time they were safe, those four dogs had delivered 31 puppies — born into a U.S. Marshals Service care program instead of a fighting pit.

The man responsible, Vinol Wilson, 52, hosted a dogfighting event he called "Mayhem Madness 2025." He invited attendees from multiple states to watch three fights and vote on which dog was "Best in Show." He bought a puppy from one of those visitors to use in future fights. Investigators found medications, syringes, a dog treadmill, and fighting pedigrees on his property.

Wilson pleaded guilty this week to federal dogfighting charges. Now he faces sentencing — and the dogs he abused deserve to know the judge took it seriously.

Dogs rescued from fighting operations carry deep trauma. Rehabilitation takes months. Some never fully recover. These animals suffered so Wilson could profit from their pain, and the 31 puppies born in law enforcement care are a reminder of how far the damage reaches.

The federal Animal Welfare Act exists to protect animals from exactly this. The sentence handed down in this case will send a message — either that dogfighting carries real consequences, or that it doesn't.

Sign this petition to urge the court to impose the maximum sentence on Vinol Wilson and send an unambiguous message that dogfighting will not be tolerated.