Cruelty charged again

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Arrest made for second incident with pit bulls

By CALEB FREY

Staff Reporter

NEW SARPY – A New Sarpy man was arrested Thursday on charges of animal cruelty after deputies observed his pit bull living in very poor conditions, authorities said.

Carl Lewis, 25, 835 E. Macadoo St., was booked with animal cruelty for the second time since December, 2005 after deputies observed a pit bull outside of Lewis’ residence on July 13 living in unfit conditions without food or water.

The dog was transported to St. Charles Animal Shelter for evaluation where it was determined by the staff veterinarian that the dog was about 10-15 pounds underweight due to malnourishment, and was suffering from hookworms and heartworms, according to St. Charles Sheriff’s Spokesman Capt. Pat Yoes.

Deputies then determined that Lewis was already on probation for similar charges stemming from a December incident in which Lewis was arrested and booked with two counts of animal cruelty after a St. Charles deputy observed two pit bull dogs in Lewis’ backyard that both had apparent injuries. Upon closer inspection, both dogs proved to be underweight and showed signs of infections and excessive breeding.

Part of Lewis’ probation from his arrest in December stipulates he was not to be in possession of any animals, Yoes said.

Judge Kirk Granier of the 29th Judicial District set bond for Lewis at $25,000. He is currently being held at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility in St. Charles.