To the Broward County Public Schools, Broward County School Board, President Trump, Governor DeSantis, and the Broward State Attorney’s Office:

In December 2025, a Deerfield Beach man, ALEX BENEFIELD, previously described in news reports as one of South Florida’s biggest dogfighters, was sentenced to a lousy 2 years of probation for running a training and fighting ring involving pit bulls. In the federal investigation, law enforcement found dozens of dogs in cages, dogs with scars and injuries consistent with fighting, dogs who were forced into brutality for sick human entertainment and profit.

Anyone who has ever loved an animal knows exactly what that means: fear, starvation, pain, torn flesh, infection, isolation, and repeated violence inflicted on living beings who had no way out. The public record makes clear that these dogs lived and died in conditions no decent human being would tolerate for a single moment

And after all of that, after years of investigation, after countless dogs suffered, the sentence was probation. No jail time. No real consequence for the animals who were forced to viciously fight for their lives.

It is impossible to read the details of the case and not feel disgusted. These animals were not objects. They were not disposable. They were sentient, trusting creatures who were used, hurt, and discarded. A sentence of probation does not honor the magnitude of that suffering.

Adding to the public’s concern is the fact, also publicly available, that ALEX BENEFIELD is employed as a teacher and football coach at a Broward County high school. Many residents question how someone tied to organized animal cruelty can be allowed to hold a position of authority, mentorship, and influence over students. This is about safety, ethics, trust, and community standards.

This petition is grounded entirely in facts reported by reputable news outlets. No speculation. No exaggeration. The cruelty happened. The dogs suffered. They were murdered. The sentence was probation. Those are the facts.

This is about holding someone accountable for a crime that caused severe, documented suffering to dozens of dogs. The injuries were real, the conditions were real, and the consequences for those animals were permanent. We, the community, must use our voices to get justice for these sweet, innocent creatures who deserved so much better.

(News article here: Sun Sentinel Article )

We, the undersigned, demand the following:

1. An immediate and thorough review of Alex Benefield’s employment with Broward County Public Schools, assessing whether continued work with students is appropriate in light of the documented dogfighting operation.
2. A public explanation from the Broward State Attorney’s Office outlining how this sentence was determined, whether it aligns with guidelines, and whether further review or appeal is possible.
3. A reassessment of Florida’s penalties for dogfighting and severe animal cruelty, which clearly do not reflect the gravity of the harm inflicted in this case.
4. Transparency from all involved agencies regarding the handling of violent animal-cruelty cases and the protections in place to prevent similar failings. Please sign and share.