The Brief The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says a Kansas City, Missouri man has plead guilty to running a dog-fighting operation. The DOJ says Vinol Wilson, 52, subjected the dogs to pain and suffering for sport and profit. In addition, the DOJ says Wilson pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after a felony conviction.



A Kansas City, Missouri man is facing a federal prison sentence and fine after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says he plead guilty to running a dog fighting operation and illegally possessing a firearm after a felony conviction.

What we know:

The DOJ says on May 17, 2025, Vinol Wilson, 52, ran a dog fighting event known as  Mayhem Madness 2025  at his home with participants traveling with fighting dogs from several states to attend.



According to court documents, during the overnight period of May 17-18, 2025, after all three dog fights were completed, Wilson polled those attending for their views on which dog performed the best and which was the  gamest,  or most willing to continue fighting despite injury, of the evening. The DOJ says Wilson awarded large trophies for  Best in Show  and  Gamest in Show  to two of the dog fight participants and purchased and received a puppy from one of the out-of-state participants with plans to use the dog for fighting.

On May 20, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Wilson's residence where agents recovered 16 fighting dogs, four of whom were pregnant and later gave birth to 31 puppies. In addition, agents recovered items used in dog fighting such as medications, syringes, a  slatmill  dog treadmill, and fighting dog  pedigrees. 

Investigators say Wilson was found to have a 5.56 mm loaded pistol and chambered with 29 rounds of ammunition in his possession.

What they're saying:

 Inflicting cruelty on innocent dogs for entertainment and profit is both deplorable and in violation of federal law.  The Western District of Missouri is proud to have worked alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and hold those responsible accountable. Through

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