Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Ralph Cadet (DOB 12/21/70) of 39 Greenridge Way, New Hempstead, New York and Tyrell Francis (DOB 06/16/86) of 39 Greenridge Way, New Hempstead, New York pled guilty to:
One count of Prohibited Animal Fighting, a class โEโ Felony
Cadet and Francis staged a dogfight for the purpose of entertainment inside their home.
The animal abuse occurred between January, 2012 and April, 2012 inside 39 Greenridge Way. Search warrants executed at the address led detectives to nine Pit Bull terriers and other evidence of dogfighting, including a length of rope used to strengthen a dogโs jaw muscles. At least one dogfight was captured on cell phone video.
The defendants face a maximum sentence of one year in the Rockland County jail when sentenced on September 17, 2013 before the Honorable William K. Nelson.
As part of the plea agreement, Cadet and Francis have agreed to relinquish ownership of the rescued dogs and register as animal abusers under Rockland County law, which outlaws the purchase of animals for up to four years.
The dogs, found roaming the house from cages, ranged in age from seven-month-old puppies to three years and were in varying stages of health. At least one of the animals had scars on her front leg and face.
The investigation was conducted by the Rockland County Drug Task Force, the Hudson Valley Humane Society and the Special Investigations Unit of the Rockland County District Attorneyโs Office.
The defendants were previously indicted in an ongoing narcotics investigation, during which the animal abuse was uncovered.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Robert Trudell and Executive Assistant District Attorney Gary Lee Heavner.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login