Last Chance for Animals Announces USDA-Licensed Leader of Nation's Most Notorious Pet Theft Ring Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Largest Animal Abuse Case in U.S. History.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- President of Animal Rights Group that Prompted Investigation Says Justice is Served; Former Pet Stealer Sentencing Expected within 90 Days

Last Chance for Animals today announced that C.C. Baird, the nation's largest USDA-licensed Class "B" animal dealer and pet theft ring operator, pleaded guilty yesterday 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 a 15-year undercover investigation by Last Chance for Animals, a Los Angeles-based animal rights group.

According to Last Chance for Animals, 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.

"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."

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, finalized on January 28th, permanently revoked Baird's USDA license and slapped him with a fine of $262,700, the largest fine ever imposed by the USDA/APHIS.

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Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal protection organization based in Los Angeles, California, has been active for over two decades. Led by animal expert, author and former actor, Chris DeRose, LCA's roots began in fighting and exposing the inherent cruelty of vivisection (the live dissection of animals). LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty, launching public awareness campaigns, promoting animal friendly legislation and assisting in prosecutions of animal abusers. For additional information on LCA and its activities, visit www.LCAnimal.org.