Competency hearing set for Glendale man in dog-fighting case

A competency hearing will be held in 3rd District Court Friday for a 76-year-old Glendale man charged with six dog fighting felonies and six cruelty to animals misdemeanors.

Police raided the home of John Clinton Smith in Oct. 2003 and found six pit bulls, dog fighting equipment and dog fighting magazines, according to court documents.

Smith has pleaded not guilty to each charge. His competency was brought into question during a three-day jury trial held in March.

Smith has previously been convicted of various animal neglect charges and has done 100 hours of community service as penalty for a third-degree felony dog fighting conviction.

If convicted of the 2003 charges, Smith could face up to 30 years in jail and six years in prison, plus fines up to $45,000.

The Animal Advocacy Alliance of Utah has submitted a letter to the court asking it to impose the harshest possible punishment on Smith in relation to the misdemeanors. The group has also asked the court to order therapy, as Smith's "actions are indicative of a violent and aggressive nature."

For more information on animal cruelty in Utah, visit www.henryslaw.com or www.helpushelpthem.org.