Man pleads guilty to hosting dog fights

Wed., Oct. 7 2009 @ 7:07AM

Remember that big dog-fighting bust that took place this summer? The biggest dog fighting bust in the history of the United States? Justice is starting to reign down as we officially scrub the word "alleged" from our posts. Feel that freedom.

Not you, Cris E. Bottcher. Yesterday, Bottcher, a 48-year-old nurse from Gilman City, Missouri, admitted to conspiracy to transport animals across state lines for an animal fighting venture, and sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Translation: Male nurse and ~~alleged~~ monster Cris E. Bottcher ~~allegedly~~ organized a bunch of blood-sport dog fights in his backyard earlier this year.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Bottcher could spend up to five years in a federal prison without parole, and pay fines up to $250,000. The government wants to seize his 11 pit bulls and hand him the bill for the last three months of the dogs' care at an undisclosed Humane Society of Missouri shelter.

Keep in mind that Bottcher is one of 19 men arrested for dog fighting-related crimes, and his 11 dogs were among 407 seized.