(WWJ) A Downriver man who pleaded guilty to two criminal counts in connection with dogfighting has been ordered by a judge to undergo mandatory therapy as part of his sentence.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday that Kevin Warren of River Rouge was sentenced to two years of probation, and in addition cannot own dogs and must undergo cognitive behavioral therapy.
Warren was also ordered to pay $1,580.82 in restitution to the Michigan Humane Society. which applauded the judge's decision in this case.
“In the 30 years that I have been an investigator, I have never seen anyone receive mandated therapy,” said Mark Ramos, Community Resources Manager at the Michigan Humane Society. “Mandated cognitive behavioral therapy is unprecedented and gets to the whole issue because it forces defendants to think through their actions as opposed to probation and fines. This is a huge win for all people, animals and communities.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy, known as psychotherapy. Participants attend sessions with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist), working to become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
This case dates back to 2020, when a complaint was made to the humane society about possible dog fighting involving Kevin Warren and dogs at his home. A search of the suspect's home on September 2, 2020, then revealed three dogs with physical injuries consistent with fighting.
A puppy was also seized from the residence, as were supplements presumably used to treat the dogs' wounds, officials said.
A search of Warren’s Facebook accounts showed communications dating back to March 2019, relating to breeding and selling dogs for fighting, according to AG investigators.
“Dog fighting is a cruel and brutal practice that has nothing to do with sport,” said Nessel, in a statement. “In Michigan we are going to prosecute the violent training and fighting of dogs as both the inhumane treatment of animal life that it is as well as the needless and vicious threat to public safety it imposes on our neighborhoods.”
The Michigan Humane Society received the initial complaint about Warren and conducted the early stages of the investigation, partnering with law enforcement and the AG's office to eventually prosecute Warren for his crimes.
“Dog fighting, like any act of animal cruelty, is not simply a crime against an animal. It is a crime against our community and all who call it home,” said President and CEO of the Michigan Humane Society Matthew Pepper. “We are proud of our partnership with the Attorney General’s office towards ensuring that those who prey on victims, people or pet, are held accountable.”
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