GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man charged with dogfighting in 2021 and 2025 has been sentenced to nine consecutive terms totaling 90-189 months in prison, according to a Gaston County District Attorney.
Rico Pagan, 53, was convicted of four counts of felony dogfighting and 13 counts of animal cruelty. In addition to the prison sentence, officials said Pagan is ordered to pay $6,523.18 in restitution to Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society) and $1,769.88 to Gaston County.
“Dogfighting is a brutal and senseless crime that causes immense suffering to animals andendangers our communities,” District Attorney Travis Page said. “We are called to help the leastof us and to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Working together with the Gaston County Police and Humane World for Animals, and with an unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable—we not only spoke, but acted.”
PREVIOUS: Man banned from owning dogs accused of animal cruelty, dogfighting in Gaston County
On March 16, 2021, two decomposed dogs were found in a wooded area alongside Queens Road in Gastonia and were reported to the Gaston County Police Department…