A 52-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man pleaded guilty on July 7 in federal court to multiple dogfighting offenses and illegal firearm possession, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
Vinol Wilson admitted to conspiring to violate the animal fighting provision of the federal Animal Welfare Act, keeping a dog for use in dogfighting, and buying and receiving a dog for use in a dogfighting venture. He also admitted to possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction.
Court documents said Wilson ran a dogfighting operation and invited participants to a May 17, 2025, event at his Kansas City residence known as Mayhem Madness 2025. Parties traveled from multiple states with fighting dogs, and three dog fights took place, according to the Justice Department.
Agents executing a search warrant three days later recovered 16 fighting dogs, including four pregnant dogs that later gave birth to 31 puppies. They also found medications, syringes, a slatmill dog treadmill, dog pedigrees, and a loaded 5.56mm pistol.
Each dogfighting count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to 250,000 dollars. The firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 250,000 dollars.