Ypsilanti Township man linked to dog-fighting ring found guilty of violating probation
An Ypsilanti Township man convicted of multiple counts of dog fighting was found guilty of violating his probation, records show.
Ricky Lee Lynch, 30, pleaded guilty to two violations at a recent hearing in Washtenaw County Circuit Court. Records show Lynch failed to pay $2,000 in fines and did not complete or even enroll in adult education or GED courses since his sentencing in 2008.
Ricky Lee Lynch
Judge David Swartz reinstated the terms of probation that were eased two years ago and ordered him to pay $475 per month.
Lynch pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal dog fighting following a Humane Society of Huron Valley investigation in 2007. Authorities found more than a dozen dogs bred for fighting, fight logs, training videos and medical equipment used to treat animals at his home. Seventeen pit bulls were euthanized after his arrest.
Swartz placed Lynch on probation for five years and ordered him to pay $15,000. He is also prohibited from owning animals.
Lynch’s attorney, Arthur Brand, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
doglady
Thu, Feb 24, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
5 years probation and $15,000?? We need harsher punishments for dog fighters and animal abusers. "Seventeen pit bulls were euthanized after his arrest" Rest in peace sweet Pitties, nobody will ever hurt you again.
Indicat
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.
I'm not sure how this individual, who does not have a high school diploma, would have a job allowing him to pay $475 per month plus his living expenses. I don't know what the answer is. Perhaps it's may be time to bring back the chain gangs.
RJA
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
I am so MAD! (after reading this) This man sould never be able to own an animal, be it a dog, cat, snake, mouse, bird or any other. To own a pit-bull is wonderful, to train it obey the owner is also great. To have a fighting ring of dog fights is SICK ,SICK ,SICKER!
eyeonthenews
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
I would have liked to have read this guy got some time in prison as well as the fine and probation. Most important, I just hope the Officials in charge of this case make sure he is in comliance with his probation and don't cut him any slack.
bs
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
Well, I know what the problem is here. We all know that the way to rehabilitate someone who abuses animals is to offer them a couple of months in jail and then a multi-million $$$ sports contract... This guy looks a bit like a linebacker, I bet he could play!
itiswhatitis
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
First of all that someone you refer to did a couple of YEARS in prison for his crimes. This guy did not comply with a judgement that was already against him, i.e. the terms of his probation, then proceeded to do what did. And, if im reading correctly, did not receive any prison time? A slap on the wrist? If he were a famous athlete or whatever, would he receive the same treatment? Where is PETA?
Ignatz
Mon, Feb 21, 2011 : 5:25 p.m.
Despicable.