Most Notorious "B" dealer Pleads Guilty to Felony Criminal Charges
Sentencing to Follow in Largest Animal Abuse Case in U.S. History

C.C. Baird, the nation's largest USDA-licensed Class "B" animal dealer and pet theft ring operator, pleaded guilty yesterday, August 30, 2005, to felony charges of conspiracy to launder money in an operation involving the sale of dogs and cats to research laboratories. Baird's criminal case comprised the largest multi-agency (federal, state and local) investigation of animal abuse in U.S. history, which was prompted by LCA's 15-year undercover investigation.

Baird's guilty plea stems from his role in mail fraud, in which he violated the Animal Welfare Act by transferring dogs and cats to research facilities with false acquisition records through his facility, Martin Creek Kennels. The charge against Baird is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of more than $5 million. 

Baird's wife, Patsy, a USDA-licensed Class "A" dealer (animal breeder) and owner of breeding facility Pat's Pine Tree Farm, pleaded guilty to misprision of felony mail fraud. The Bairds consented to criminal forfeiture of $200,000 and approximately 700 acres of land -- which includes their residence and former dog and cat kennels -- in Sharp County, Arkansas, valued at $1.1 million. They also agreed to pay approximately $42,400 in partial reimbursement of investigative costs as directed by the USDA, which will reimburse animal rescue groups that took custody of animals seized from Baird's property. Sentencing is expected within 90 days. 

Click here to view official court documents outlining the charges against C.C. Baird.

"The largest animal cruelty case in U.S. history, led by the U.S. Attorney's office, has finally, after three years, come to a conclusion. C.C. Baird ran the country's most notorious pet theft ring -- and was fully licensed by the USDA. The conditions of his facilities were beyond inhumane and the animals found there were sick, injured and neglected," said Chris DeRose, LCA president and founder. "We are very pleased with the outcome of the case. The U.S. Attorney's office, and specifically Bud Cummins, has done a stellar job. He understands the terrible impact Baird has had on thousands of people and animals and has worked hard to make sure justice is served." 

 

Background on the Case 

The results of the case are the culmination of LCA's 15-year investigation into Class "B" dealers licensed by the USDA to sell "random source" animals to research facilities. Random source animals include pets stolen from people's homes or cars, strays, seized shelter animals, or animals obtained under false pretenses through "free to good home" ads. Many of the animals found at Baird's facility were stolen pets. 

LCA acquired more than 70 hours of video surveillance at Baird's facility, Martin Creek Kennels, detailing an overwhelming amount of animal cruelty, abuse, neglect and unsanitary conditions. LCA's information was handed over to the U.S. Attorney's Office, who brought in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Postal Systems, Arkansas State Police, and the local Sheriffs Department. 

Earlier this year a settlement was reached in Baird's civil case. The consent decision was finalized on January 28th and permanently revoked Baird's USDA license and slapped him with a fine of $262,700, the largest fine ever imposed by the USDA/APHIS. Today's hearing will be an important proceeding in the criminal case. To learn more about LCA's investigation and the civil case against Baird, please visit www.lcanimal.org/invest/baird.htm.  C.C. Baird is out of business PERMANENTLY.