Freeporter indicted for dog fighting

Freeporter Anthony Reddick was back in court last week and indicted for crimes related to dog fighting. Reddick had been convicted of animal breeding for fighting in September 2014, and was barred from owning animals for 15 years.

Now Reddick faces new charges. He was arraigned on Oct. 6 before Acting Supreme Court Justice Terrence Murphy on four counts of felony prohibition of animal fighting; misdemeanor prohibition of animal fighting, fifth-degree conspiracy; and second-degree criminal contempt. Reddick pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Murphy set bail at $50,000 bond or $25,000 cash. If convicted on the top charge, Reddick faces up to four years in prison. He is due back in court Oct. 19.

Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas said that between March 29 and May 13, Reddick, also known as Tone, and a codefendant, allegedly conspired to breed, purchase, train and fight pit bull dogs. The defendants, it is alleged, also discussed techniques to use for upcoming fights. In one conversation, Reddick and his codefendant discussed breeding a dog named “Diva,” and Reddick allegedly said, “Let’s breed together. Let’s make it happen.”

Reddick made plans with his codefendant to build between four and five kennels, which were to be built at the codefendant’s sister’s house.

In another conversation, Reddick said that he knew he was not supposed to be around dogs for 15 years because of prior court order. Reddick also brokered a dogfight, and the dog, named Beattie, died in a fight on May 7.

The defendant was arrested by the Nassau County Police Department on May 13 after a joint investigation with the D.A.’s office.

The D.A.’s office has sought to change laws related to animal crimes that are currently classified in the state’s Agriculture and Markets Law. The Consolidated Animal Crimes Bill (CACB) was authored by former District Attorney Kathleen Rice’s administration and introduced in 2012 in an effort to protect animals and prosecute animal-abuse cases. The office has continued to fight for the passage of the bill in Albany.