voiceofreason
Senior News Editor since 2011
Judge Sentences Spencer Man To 7 Years For Animal Cruelty Related To Dogfighting Ring
Casper Ingram, 46, was sentenced to seven years behind bars in an animal cruelty case related to dogfighting.
Judge Sentences Spencer Man To 7 Years For Animal Cruelty Related To Dogfighting Ring
Wednesday, October 6th 2021, 10:37 pm
OKLAHOMA CITY -
An Oklahoma County judge sentenced a Spencer man to seven years behind bars in an animal cruelty case related to dogfighting.
Casper Ingram, 46, was sentenced Wednesday in Judge Ray Elliott’s courtroom.
“We’re grateful that the court ran the sentences concurrent to one another giving the chance at life,” said Billy Coyle, Ingram’s attorney.
Ingram was taken into custody in February 2020 after 24 dogs were discovered on his property along with items related to dog fighting.
According to investigators, seven of the 24 dogs recovered had to be euthanized due to their aggressive behavior.
In April 2020, Ingram pleaded guilty to 19 counts of animal cruelty, one count of keeping a place, equipment or facility for training dogs for dogfighting and one count of owning, possessing, keeping or training dogs for fighting.
Ingram claims the dogs on his property belonged to a friend of his named “Wiz” but could not identify the individual further.
“Casper Ingram took responsibility,” Coyle said. “He didn’t mean to hurt these dogs. These dogs weren’t under his direct care but sometimes in life you have to be fully aware of your surroundings.”
Local nonprofit Mutt Misfits cared for the rescued dogs once Ingram released custody to a local animal shelter.
Heather Hernandez, Mutt Misfits president and founder, said she’s torn by the judge’s sentencing.
“There is nothing and no amount of time behind bars that can bring back those animals that were killed,” Hernandez said. “Those animals that were neglected, they can’t get their lives back. I wish it was longer (but) seven years is better than nothing.”