Dog-fighting- 3 dogs seized - Norfolk, VA

Friday, May 7, 2004

County: Norfolk City

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

Defendants/Suspects:
» Kenneth L. Speller
» Alethia Parson Speller

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

A Norfolk couple is facing animal cruelty charges after officials say they found three injured pitbulls - and possible evidence of dog fighting - at their home.

According to a search warrant obtained, an animal control officer visited the home of Kenneth Speller and Alethia Parson-Speller.

There the officer says she found three pitbulls with lacerations, punctures, scars and wounds of varying ages.

The officer also stated she observed three 'breaking/parting' sticks with tooth marks and apparent blood.

In the search warrant, the officer states "these items with pitbulls with facial wounds are consistent with dogfighting."

While the dogs were confiscated, officials served their search warrant on the Spellers. Officials seized a computer, floppy disks, and two disposable cameras.

The Spellers are facing charges of organized dog fighting, animal cruelty, failure to license and failure to vaccinate.

The search warrant indicates that Norfolk Animal Protection Unit records show prior animal-related charges and convictions against the couple.

Case Updates

According to court records, Kenneth L. Speller pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals in Norfolk Circuit Court on December 14, 2004. A felony dog-fighting charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Speller was sentenced to 4 days in jail and two years probation, and fines totaling $733.00. Alethia Parson Speller also pled guilty to an amended charge of misdemeanor cruelty to animals and received 4 days in jail and 12 months probation.

Source: CR04002675-00 Update posted on Apr 29, 2007 - 6:39PM

References

• WAVY

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