http://www.nj.com/sunbeam/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1256970016216980.xml&coll=9
Saturday, October 31, 2009 By Jennifer Daileyjdailey@sjnewsco.com

SALEM - Nearly a year after several animals were rescued from a dog-fighting ring in Penns Grove home last November, Khalil Spikes was officially sentenced for his role in the incident Friday.

Spikes will serve five years probation and pay restitution of more than $9,000 as part of a plea deal reached in September.

Spikes, 29, now of Sheffield Drive in Willingboro, had previously pleaded guilty to a third-degree count of allowing a place for dog-fighting in September. He was sentenced Friday morning in state Superior Court in Salem.

"He was required to pay a lump sum today, however due to financial constraints he will have to pay $1,500 to the prosecutor's office by noon on Monday, if not it will be a violation against his probation and we will issue a warrant out for his arrest," prosecutor Lisa Riether explained to Judge Timothy G. Farrell.

The remaining restitution will be paid by Spikes in installments of $200 a month starting the first of the year.

Farrell made a couple of special conditions along with the probation and restitution as part of the agreement.

"There is a special condition that he not own, adopt, or care for a foster animal or reside in housing that has an animal during the term of his probation," said Farrell.

Seven abused pit bulls were seized from the Lanning Avenue residence in Penns Grove Nov. 16 of last year. Authorities also found quantities of cocaine, marijuana and a .22 caliber handgun.

Along with two others, Spikes was originally charged with 31 counts of animal cruelty in the case including other drug- and weapons-related charges.

Authorities were called out to the scene Nov. 16 after receiving complaints that one of the dogs was hanging over a fence by its chain. According to authorities, it had apparently jumped over and was stuck dangling there.

Four of the dogs rescued were taken to an animal shelter but unfortunately sources say they were euthanized. The three other dogs were taken to a Mullica Hill veterinary hospital and treated. The non-profit group New Jersey Aid for Animals (NJAFA) paid for the bills.

NJAFA President Kathy McGuire was in attendance at the sentencing and spoke as an advocate for animals. McGuire led the effort in saving the dogs.

She explained how they spent the holidays last year trying to save the dogs. McGuire brought in pictures to show how one of the dogs is doing.

"The defendants actions were like a small-time Michael Vick and were intentional. Perhaps the defendant could get a real job instead of counting on the money he gets for fighting defenseless animals to death," said McGuire.
 

SPEECH GIVEN BY KATHY MCGUIRE AT SENTENCING FOR KHALIL SPIKES TO THE JUDGE
Euthanasia means “good death”. Before NJ Aid for Animals has ever euthanized an animal, we ascertain and affirm the animal’s qualify of life has been compromised and is in fact, in a diminished state.When we inject the animal with the blue fluid that will take their life forever, the animal looks at us almost thankful.

A viable animal that does not deserve to die was the case with the four pitbulls that were euthanized because of the defendant. All were injected with the blue fluid because they happened to end up at a high kill shelter who did not have the resources to keep them.

Fortunately the three NJAFA took did not die. Rather from November, 2008 almost one year ago to now, we spent thousands of dollars keeping them alive, safe, fed and housed.

The night the dogs were brought in from the raid, they had just been in a dog fight. They were brought to the hospital with gaping wounds in their mouths, scars on their faces and very sick.

I hope the defendant enjoyed a nice holiday season last year because I was at the hospital every day wondering whether the three creatures we had would survive the night.

For the record, I will be following the defendant through the court system like I did the abuser who starved his horse to death and the abuser who froze his puppies to death. I will be contacting Adult Probation and putting his name on the animal abuse sites for all to see including our website.

The defendant’s actions like a small time Michel Vick, were intentional and he should not be forgiven. Perhaps the defendant should get a real job instead of counting on the the money he gets from fighting defenseless animals to the death.

It is our opinion that in this case, the wrong animal was injected with the blue fluid.
 

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UPDATE 10/18/09 -Convicted dog fighter Khalil Spikes is to be sentenced on October 27 at 9:00 am in Salem County Courthouse Salem, NJ
See link below
http://www.njafa.org/abuse.htm

If you or your group can come to the sentencing we would appreciate your support. Although NJAFA already came to a plea agreement with the defendant for five years probation and full restitution, it will be up to the judge to ascertain the full sentence.

Rest assured, we asked for but did not get 3 years jail time forfeiting any restitution. We were also offered a trial but did not want to take a chance on one juror. This individual has had so many contacts with law enforcement however that he is sure to end up in jail again which will be in violation of his parole so he will end up in jail anyway.

Although a long weary road for everyone concerned, it is finally coming to an end and gratifying that the judge has allowed me to speak on behalf of the pitbulls everywhere being fought and to say something on behalf of Chance, Noel and Miracle and the other four that did not make it.

It is also gratifying to see Mr. Spikes' face every time he sees me in the court room and to watch him squirm.

Realizing it is a work day, please know that we will be working as well, speaking on behalf of the voiceless. If you have any brief thoughts you would like me to add to my prepared speech, please forward them to me

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NJ Aid for Animals was in court yesterday (9/8/09) to represent the three pitbulls that were victims in a dog fighting ring.

The now convicted animal abuser, Khalil Spikes, pleaded guilty to a 3rd degree crime of "Fighting or baiting animals....keep a place to be used for purpose of fighting or baiting a living creature; permit or suffer a place owned by him; for amusement or gain; cause or permit fighitng or baiting a living animal, knowingly own, train, possess a living amimal for fighting".

We were given the opportunity to either receive full restitution which we declined if Mr.Spikes would get 3 to 5 years in jail, but a plea bargain was reached instead for full restitution and five years probation.

Mr. Spikes has a long history of contacts with the authorities and it won't be long before he is in jail of his own accord or in violation of probation by not paying restitution.

Although three of the seven dogs are now healthy and with loving owners, the millions of other dogs that have suffered and are suffering at the hands of dog fighters is unbearable to think of.

PLEASE IF YOU KNOW THERE IS DOG FIGHTING GOING ON, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, SPCA OR NJAFA.
REMEMBER THE HSUS OFFERS $5,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON DOG FIGHTING.

IF YOU WANT TO COME TO SALEM CO. COURT ON OCT 27 AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR NJAFA PLS COME!WE WILL BE SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF ALL THE POOR PITBULLS THAT NEVER WERE THIS LUCKY AND NEVER GOT "A SECOND CHANCE".

NOEL, MIRACLE AND CHANCE HAVE HAD THEIR DAY IN COURT... WHAT OF ALL THE OTHERS?????????

After you contact authorities, prepare a short written statement detailing the key points of what you observed. Give dates, approximate times, and locations. Timely fact-gathering is crucial the more time that passes, the greater the risk that evidence will disappear, injuries will heal, or you'll forget specific details. Written statements from other witnesses will help back up your observations, and if possible, take pictures and date them? Photos or videos will strengthen your case.

Always keep a dated record of everyone you've contacted, along with the content and outcome of your discussions. Never forward a letter, photograph, or other documentation to anyone without first making a copy for your own files. Make it clear to authorities that you wish to pursue the case and that you are willing to lend


Always keep a dated record of everyone you've contacted, along with the content and outcome of your discussions. Never forward a letter, photograph, or other documentation to anyone without first making a copy for your own files. Make it clear to authorities that you wish to pursue the case and that you are willing to lend your assistance if necessary. Be sure to follow up! If you stay involved, authorities are more likely to do the same.

If the first contact doesn't produce results, go straight to a supervisor. If that doesn't work, appeal to local government officials, such as the mayor, the district attorney, or city council members. A call to the media in your area (television and print) can move mountains. Above all, don't give up. You may be an animal's only hope!

Helping abused or neglected animals can be difficult and heart-wrenching, but they are depending on you to take action..