United States Eighth Circuit

Defendants' sentences arising out of a Missouri-based dog-fighting conspiracy are affirmed where: 1) the district court did not clearly err in finding that defendant knew the dogs he sold could die or be maimed; and 2) the plain language of the upward departure provision stated that the maiming of a dog is enough to satisfy the extraordinary cruelty requirement.

Appellate Information

• Decided 01/10/2011
• Published 01/10/2011

Judges

• David R. Hansen

Court

• United States Eighth Circuit

Counsel