Case Details
Share:

Case Snapshot


Images for this Case

For more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.


CONVICTED: Was justice served?

Please vote on whether or not you feel the sentence in this case was appropriate for the crime. (Be sure to read the entire case and sentencing before voting.)

weak sentence = one star
strong sentence = 5 stars

more information on voting

When you vote, you are voting on whether or not the punishment fit the crime, NOT on the severity of the case itself. If you feel the sentence was very weak, you would vote 1 star. If you feel the sentence was very strong, you would vote 5 stars.

Please vote honestly and realistically. These ratings will be used a a tool for many future programs, including a "People’s Choice" of best and worst sentencing, DA and judge "report cards", and more. Try to resist the temptation to vote 1 star on every case, even if you feel that 100 years in prison isn’t enough.

  • Currently 1.00/5

Case #16438 Rating: 1.0 out of 5



Dog-fighting - 2 dogs seized
Louisville, KY (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 1, 2009
County: Jefferson

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Shelby Strong

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

In the heart of Kentuckiana, investigators say dog fighting is a problem, which has Louisville Metro Police officers actively searching for people who may be training dogs for this deadly sport. The catch: it is a hard crime to prove. Officer Lisa Nagle has been investigating dog fighting in the community for several months, but it wasn't until last month when she was finally able to make an arrest. Nagle hopes it was the first of many.

As Nagle patrolled Muhammad Ali Boulevard, she got to know Study. "The dog was kind of whimpering a little bit and trying to rub his eye," Officer Nagle said.

In photo's Nagle showed WAVE 3, Study's left eye was swollen shut and there were scars on its head. "When you see a dog in that type of condition, it indicates either that he's been attacked by another dog or has been fought. There's nothing in that kennel that would have caused that type of injury," she said.

There is nothing in the kennels anymore; Study and another dog were taken from the property. 25-year-old Shelby Strong is charged with cruelty to animals -1st degree, a Class D Felony. Nagle suspects Strong used Study as a bait dog, a name she believes stems from his role in the cruel sport. "They were just trying to gain confidence in another dog, so they let that dog attack Study."

Nagle believes Study's teeth were filed down so he would not be able to protect himself.

When Nagle first asked Strong about the injuries to the dog and scars, Strong said a loose dog attacked him. "He indicated that they were at a park and they let their dogs go at it. When I hear that it indicates that he allowed his dog to fight another dog."

There was a second dog found on Strong's property. While Nagle does not suspect it was used for dog fighting, she said the dog was taken away for its own safety. According the Nagle, Strong's case will be heard by a grand jury in a couple of weeks. If a person is convicted, they face up to 5 years in jail.

"It's frustrating to think that a human being could actually do that to another animal. There's no reason for it," Nagle said.

If you suspect dog fighting is happening in your neighborhood, contact your local police department or sheriff's office.


Case Updates

After three days of testimony from animal control officers, veterinarians, and even a courtroom visit from the pit bull "Study", the man accused of allowing "Study" to fight another in a park took the stand to defend himself.

Under oath, Strong testified "Study" was bitten by another dog." During closing arguments, as a picture of "Study" with a swollen eye and bite marks on his head loomed over the courtroom, the prosecution and defense asked the jurors to weigh the evidence carefully. After deliberating for two and half hours, they came back with a verdict.

The seven women and five men found Strong not guilty of animal cruelty in the first degree, instead finding him guilty of misdemeanor animal cruelty and propagation and holding of protected wildlife without a permit. Taking the jury's recommended sentence, he'll serve two years of unsupervised probation for the first charge and pay a $50 fine for the second. Strong will have to surrender "Study" and another dog "Sticky" to Metro Animal Control.

"Not what I was hoping for, but you know, not bad," said Strong after the verdict. As part of his probation, Strong can not own any dogs or cats for 2 years.

"Come two years from now, I'll got get more (dogs) but I guess I'll do it a little more different this time. Mainly, just stay up on the ordinance," said Strong.

Strong says despite the verdict, he realizes people may still see him as a dog fighter. "Based on the way the media portrayed me and the Internet and all those things going on, people could definitely see that. But anyone who knows me, won't see it that way, " he said.

Prosecutor Tom Coffey was also happy with the outcome, hoping this sends a strong message to people who use dogs for fighting.

"I certainly hope anyone who fights animals, specifically pit bulls, stop doing it and hopefully this is one small step towards that goal," said Coffey.

Throughout the trial, Strong maintained "Study" was injured by another dog that attacked him. If Strong violates his probation, he could face jail time.

"Study" has been adopted and the prosecution hopes the same happens with "Sticky."
Source: fox41.com - Apr 23, 2010
Update posted on Jul 22, 2010 - 6:58PM 

References

  • « Back to Search Results

    « More cases in Jefferson County, KY

    Add to GoogleNot sure what these icons mean? Click here.

    Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

    For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.



    Send this page to a friend
© Copyright 2001-2011 Pet-Abuse.Com. All rights reserved. Site Map ¤ Disclaimer ¤ Privacy Policy