Dale Cunty Sheriffs are investigating viral videos showing graphic animal abuse, according to a release.
Reports say videos on Facebook began appearing of an individual shooting dogs and beating cats to death.
Some of the videos are at least two years old, and some apparently came from outside jurisdictions, but charges are expected to be filed Tuesday.
A young man has been identified as a suspect, but he may have been a juvenile at the time of the arrests, Alabama law requiring that he be charged as a juvenile if that is the case.
Original release:
On Saturday, we were made aware of a video circulating on social media depicting a male subject violently attacking and torturing animals. Our deputies immediately launched an investigation into the video and its sources.
To date, through our investigation, we have interviewed the suspect and others involved. We have determined that some of these videos are approximately two years old. Additionally, we have confirmed that at least one video depicts an incident that occurred outside of Dale County. We are actively working with other agencies to determine the exact location so that the appropriate charges can be filed.
Due to the suspect’s age at the time of the incidents in Dale County, Alabama law requires that the individual be charged as a juvenile. We anticipate filing those charges on Tuesday. In accordance with Alabama law and the practices of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, any investigation or arrest involving juveniles is strictly confidential. Therefore, no further information will be released regarding this matter.
We understand the public’s concern and assure the community that we are taking this investigation seriously and are seeking prosecution to the fullest extent that the law will allow. We appreciate your patience as we follow the legal process.
