Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys Tom Coffey and Lisa Cartier-Giroux tried the first animal cruelty case in memory in Jefferson Circuit Court from April 20-23, 2010. The victim was "Red" the pit bull (AKA "Study"), who had suffered some serious injuries to his head and eye last year. Since Red was excluded from the courtroom, he needed a place to crash during the trial. Commonwealth's Attorney Dave Stengel volunteered his office, where Red was attended by Victim Advocate Kathy Steele and entertained by many playful staff members. The trial ended successfully for Red and the Commonwealth late on a Friday evening when the jury found the defendant guilty of both Cruelty to Animals in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and also an exotic animal violation. Red was happy because the guilty verdict means that he would not be returned to the defendant and could be adopted from Metro Animal Services. The conviction also means that the defendant's possession and contact with dogs and cats will be prohibited for 2 years, and that Metro Animal Services can monitor him.

Red, who is probably about 7 years old, showed himself to be a pleasant and playful creature during his week here, and we wish him the best!