Dog-fighting - 8 dogs seized
Dothan, AL (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2009
County: Houston

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Charles Edward Lee, Jr.
» Shelly Newton

Dothan police seized eight pitbull dogs over the weekend and charged two people, including a Florida man, with animal cruelty.

The two people only face a misdemeanor charge, but police say they found several of the dogs with fresh cuts and others with scars on their bodies.

Police arrested Charles Edward Lee, 35, of East Savannah Street, and Shelly Newton, 37, of Fort Myers, Fla., and charged each with misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Capt. Steve Parrish said the two people were arrested after an officer responded to a complaint of possible dog fighting at a residence in the 500 block of East Savannah Street. He said when police arrived between 10:30 and 10:50 p.m. Saturday, they found several dogs that appeared to have just finished fighting.

"The living conditions were such that in the officer's opinion it constituted a cruel environment," Parrish said. "We do know� some of the dogs had some lacerations on them, it was apparent to him that dog fighting had occurred."

Parrish said a water hose was found nearby, which he said is commonly used to break up dog fights. Parrish also said five adult dogs and three puppies were seized and taken to the animal shelter by an animal control officer late Saturday night. It's unclear what will happen to the dogs.

"They were not in good health at all," Parrish said.

Renzo Rashard Fanner, 34, was also at the home, but was not charged with animal cruelty. Fanner was charged with misdemeanor obstructing a government operation and misdemeanor second-degree possession of marijuana.

Lee and Newton were each released from custody after they posted a $500 bond.

References

• « AL State Animal Cruelty Map

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