Update: apparently there has been a substantial petition drive organized by some animal rights activists to make sure that law enforcement officials are aware of the seriousness of the following story. Here's the link to the petition site:
www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/308111511?ltl=1175525123
Robert Carini of 30 S. Main St., Lexington, now has much more to worry about as he enjoys the comforts of the Rockbridge Regional Jail: the misdemeanor animal cruelty charges levelled against him last week by the Lexington Police Department were dropped and in their place, felony animal cruelty charges were initiated.
The reasoning behind this move, according to Lexington Animal Control officer Chuck Hurley was that the animals allegedly injured by Carini, one dog last October and one in March, both had to be euthanized. After Hurley spoke with the Commonwealth Attorney on the matter, it was decided that Carini be charged with Class 6 felonies, which carry a more significant potential penalty. He now faces 1-5 years in jail and a $2500 fine on each charge.
Carini was re-arrested by the Lexington Police Department on the new charges.
UPDATE: although Carini faced a preliminary hearing date of April 17, the Commonwealth Attorney's office has been informed that he now has waived the preliminary hearing. In that case, the matter will go to the Grand Jury on May 7 and a trial date will be set (if indictment occurs) soon thereafter.
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