A Carver, Massachusetts man has been arrested and charged on Apr. 2 with participating in a long-running dogfighting conspiracy that included breeding, training, and fighting dogs, as well as related animal cruelty and illegal gambling activities.
The case is significant because it highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address animal fighting ventures and enforce the Animal Welfare Act. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Corey Elliott, 49, was arrested in connection with allegations that he conspired over several years to operate a dogfighting venture known at times as “The No Name Gang.” Charging documents allege Elliott and a co-conspirator possessed, bred, trained, and fought dogs for sport and profit. They are accused of communicating extensively about arranging fights, placing wagers, coordinating the acquisition and sale of dogs for fighting purposes, organizing events at Elliott’s residence in Carver, constructing dogfighting pits and kennels designed for conditioning animals for combat.
Further allegations include acts of animal cruelty such as training dogs to fight violently or culling those that did not meet performance standards. The documents state that Elliott discussed disposing of deceased animals and concealing evidence related to these activities. Efforts were also allegedly made by both individuals to avoid law enforcement detection through coded language when discussing operations or relocating animals out of public view.
Searches conducted at the co-conspirator’s home in June 2023 resulted in the seizure of multiple pit bull-type dogs along with veterinary supplies linked to dogfighting activity. Electronic devices seized revealed videos and communications between Elliott and his associate spanning several years. In June 2025 another search at Elliott’s residence led to more pit bull-type dogs being found—some bearing scars consistent with prior fights—as well as equipment associated with training them for such purposes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said valuable assistance was provided by numerous agencies including local police departments from Acton, Boston, Carver and Hanson; Massachusetts State Police; Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; United States Marshals Service; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.