Bruce Wintrow, Jr. testified on August 8^th, that he led his children into the kitchen of Jeffrey Langley’s apartment out of concern that two Pit Bulls fighting – one owned by Langley and the other owned by Jeremy Clark of Appleton - would injure them, shortly after they arrived to look at puppies.

Langley is on trial on one felony count of being party to the crime of instigating an animal fight.

Clarke has also been charged with being party to the crime of instigating an animal fight and faces a separate trial scheduled for November 14^th.

Two juvenile boys also testified that Langley’s dog fought a neighbor’s dog in Langley’s living room on July 13, 2005, shortly after the boys and their father arrived to look at puppies.

Langley’s attorney, Len Kuchinsky, argued the incident was not intentional, but was a case of two dogs that got out of control and took several minutes for the owners to bring them back under control. Kuchinsky stated his defense also rests on exactly what constitutes a fight. Kuchinsky contended that the incident was not anything that was set up by Langley or Clarke, it was simply two dogs that got together.

Clarke testified, under immunity and stated he did not root his dog on in the fight and tried to break the incident up as soon as it began. He also stated there was no arrangement to have the dogs fight for entertainment purposes.

The trial continues on August 9^th with further testimony and closing statements before the jury is expected to begin deliberations.

Update 1/14/06:  Two men face felony charges regarding a dogfight that was investigated by police in nearby Neenah last summer.

Jeremy Clarke, 19, of Appleton, and Jeffrey Langley, 28, of Kimberly, face charges of being party to the instigation of animal fights that could carry prison time on conviction.

Criminal complaints said police received a tip that a fight occurred and that some children may have witnessed it. Children interviewed by police said the dogs fought for about 15 minutes, according to the complaints, and six adults watched the fight.

Geiger said people involved in dog fighting commonly conceal it, and it's up to the public to report to authorities when they see suspicious activities.

Clarke gave testimony in Langley's trial under immunity.

Update 11/2/06: Clarke was charged with Felony instigation of animal fights and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.  Clarke plead no contest to the disorderly conduct charge.  The animal fights charge was changed to PTAC, as a party to a crime.  Clarke was given a deferred sentence of 24 months and must refrain from owning, possession or controlling any dogs during this time.  Clarke was given probation for the disorderly conduct charge.

Update 11/16/06:  Langley plead no contest to Felony instigation of animal fights and was given 12 months jail time but will be permitted to do work release under the Huber Law.  Langley also was ordered to not use or consume intoxicants, no use or possession of controlled substances, unless prescribed by a physician, no possession of drug paraphernalia, must maintain absolute sobriety and do not own or train any dogs for 5 years from date of conviction. Langley must also get counseling, evaluations and assessments as appropriate and followup.

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