Lake Sun
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An Eldon man faces up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine after admitting he took part in a conspiracy to buy, sell and train pit bull terriers to fight. Jack Ruppel, 35, appeared in federal court late last week.
Ruppel was charged in a federal indictment in July when he was arrested along with four other Missouri men in what was referred to as “the largest dog raid and rescue in U. S. history”.
Ruppel admitted in court to killing dogs that didn’t fight and dropping others down a septic tank. Ruppel also admitted that one of the fights he took part in was held at his home. He owned and operated Ozark Hillbillys Kennel. Ruppel told the court he attended, or participated, in 10 dog fights between July 2008 and April of this year.
Ruppel is free on $5,000 bond.
