Dog-fighting - 2 seized
Mobile, AL (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Feb 23, 2005
County: Mobile

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Demetrius Heade

Two pit bulls brought to the Mobile Animal Shelter could be returned to their owner, who authorities believe abused them, police said. An officer observed the pit bull owner allegedly inciting the dogs to fight in front of their home, said Officer Eric Gallichant, a Mobile Police Department spokesman.

Demetrius Heade, 18, of Mobile is charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals, Gallichant said. Since the passage of the Gucci law, named for a Mobile dog who was badly burned, people can be charged with felony abuse of animals.

Heade was booked into Mobile County Metro Jail and later released on a $1,000 bond.

Heade stated that the dogs were fighting on their own.

Heade said he likes pit bulls and has three others at home. He plans to try to get the animals back from the shelter.

Gallichant, the police spokesman, said Heade will be allowed to keep his dogs unless a judge rules otherwise.

References

• al.com - Feb 26, 2005

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