Couple Charged With Dog-Fighting After Dozens Of Dogs Found On Chains, With Horrific Injuries

Published: May 19, 2021 at 10:08 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

Sylvania, Georgia – Two people in Sylvania, Georgia, are facing charges associated with dog-fighting after the authorities found dozens of dogs living in wooden kennels, and restrained on heavy chains. The couple, identified as Andrea Sherica Lanier, 37, and Christopher Rodriquez Lovett, 37, were arrested in early May after the Screven County Animal Control was contacted about a case of potential animal cruelty at a residence on Acorn Hill Drive.

Andrea Lanier is charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and Christopher Lovett is charged with five counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and one count of Dog Fighting. Please add your name to the petition to help get the maximum sentence for this couple!

On May 7, Screven County Sheriff’s deputies found a total of 34 “pit-bull type” dogs at this couple’s property on Acorn Hill Drive. Five of the 34 dogs were so horrifically injured that they had to be put down “on-site.” When the authorities first arrived at the couple’s residence, they observed “heavily scarred” dogs living on the end of heavy logging chains, and in wooden kennels.

Brett Dickerson, the sheriff’s office chief deputy, commented on the situation, stating:

“I witnessed the most horrible case of animal cruelty I have seen in my 21-plus years in law enforcement.”

One of the dogs was described as having most of its face ripped off – a grim injury typical for dogs who are forced to fight one another to the death. Dickerson referred to the horribly injured dog as a “zombie dog.” The canine’s torso also had flesh that was “ripped away.”

Dog fighting is not only inhumane, it often goes hand-in-hand with other illegal activities, such as gambling and drug dealing. Brutal fights have been known to include youthful audiences, who become desensitized to animal cruelty.

We need your support to help put Andrea Sherica Lanier and Christopher Rodriquez Lovett away for as long as possible. Each and every case of dog fighting must result in a conviction, with a strong sentence, in order to deter others from taking part in this despicable and inhumane “blood sport.”

Please add your name today!

Petition Letter

Note: The 29 surviving dogs were seized and are receiving additional medical care.

Note: Individuals are presumed innocent until being found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

WTOC

Augusta Chronicle

Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Georgia-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund

Update 7/23/2022: The case was not heard by the grand jury for indictment on July’s date. The next court date has been scheduled for October 3rd. 

Update 5/3/2022: Animal Victory has sent 29,346 signatures to District Attorney Ben Edwards. The next court date is scheduled for July 2022.

Update 2/23/2022: Animal Victory has learned that the District Attorney has not sent over the warrants yet – they are still waiting for the Grand Jury. The next meeting is scheduled for April 4, 2022. If you haven’t already signed, please sign now! Animal Victory is fighting for the maximum punishment for both suspects! 

Update 6/21/21: Today Animal Victory sent over 15,600 signatures and comments to DA Ben Edwards.

Prior Signatures 15,600