Dogs used for fighting
Salt Lake City, UT (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, Oct 21, 2003
County: Salt Lake
Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 8 files available
Alleged: John Clinton Smith
Upcoming Court Dates:
» Friday, Jul 18, 2008: Pre-trial conference
Case Updates: 3 update(s) available
John Clinton Smith is charged with six counts of third-degree felony dog fighting and six counts of cruelty to animals, a class B misdemeanor. The trial is set for November 2003 in 3rd District Court. The charges stem from an Oct. 21, 2003, encounter when animal control officers took six pit bulls and investigators seized "fighting equipment" from Smith's house, including treadmills police believe were used to train the dogs. In addition, journals, videotapes and dogfighting magazines were taken.
In 2000, Smith was charged with 20 counts of various animal neglect charges, and eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty and to one other misdemeanor, according to court records. His 180-day jail sentence suspended. A cruelty to animals charge was dismissed in 1997. He also was charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals in 1996, all of which were eventually dismissed. Smith was charged in 1995 with 31 counts of having too many dogs and failing to license those dogs. In 1988, a jury found Smith guilty of training dogs for fighting, a third- degree felony. Several thousand dollars in fines were suspended, and Smith was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
Case UpdatesThe trial against accused dog-fighter John Clinton Smith has been postponed again. The case dates back to October of 2003, when authorities allegedly seized six pit bulls, treadmills, journals, videotapes and dogfighting magazines from his property. Smith has had several previous animal cruelty related run-ins with the law.
In 2000, Smith was charged with 20 counts of various animal neglect charges, and eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty and to one other misdemeanor, according to court records. His 180-day jail sentence suspended. A cruelty to animals charge was dismissed in 1997. He also was charged with nine counts of cruelty to animals in 1996, all of which were eventually dismissed. Smith was charged in 1995 with 31 counts of having too many dogs and failing to license those dogs. In 1988, a jury found Smith guilty of training dogs for fighting, a third- degree felony. Several thousand dollars in fines were suspended, and Smith was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
Smith will appear in court next for a pre-trial conference on July 18, with trial expected to begin the following week. | Source: Animal Advocacy Alliance of Utah
Update posted on May 23, 2008 - 2:07PM |
John Clinton Smith, 76, who is charged with training dogs for fighting and animal cruelty, was deemed mentally competent to stand trial during a hearing on Friday.
Two mental health officials who evaluated Smith separately came to the conclusion that he is competent, although there are some indications of dementia and cognitive deficits.
Third District Judge Deno Himonas set a trial for May 12 and 13.
Smith was charged in 2003 with six counts of third-degree felony training dogs for fighting and six counts of class B misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Police said they found six pit bull terriers chained on Smith's property in a 30-foot pit. The dogs were hungry and scarred on their bodies, and one had bleeding sores on its ears, according to police. | Source: Deseret Morning News - Feb 24, 2008
Update posted on Feb 24, 2008 - 8:54PM |
A competency hearing will be held in 3rd District Court Friday for a 76-year-old Glendale man charged with six dog fighting felonies and six cruelty to animals misdemeanors.
Police raided the home of John Clinton Smith in Oct. 2003 and found six pit bulls, dog fighting equipment and dog fighting magazines, according to court documents.
Smith has pleaded not guilty to each charge. His competency was brought into question during a three-day jury trial held in March.
Smith has previously been convicted of various animal neglect charges and has done 100 hours of community service as penalty for a third-degree felony dog fighting conviction.
If convicted of the 2003 charges, Smith could face up to 30 years in jail and six years in prison, plus fines up to $45,000.
The Animal Advocacy Alliance of Utah has submitted a letter to the court asking it to impose the harshest possible punishment on Smith in relation to the misdemeanors. The group has also asked the court to order therapy, as Smith's "actions are indicative of a violent and aggressive nature." | Source: Deseret Morning News Dec 6 2007
Update posted on Dec 6, 2007 - 12:32PM |
References | Desert News - August 7, 2005 |  | Court Docket #: 031907398FS, DA# 03020980 |
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