LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Laurel County Sheriff's Office is reporting that a third person has been arrested in connection with the abuse of a dog that was found dead off a road in Laurel County.
Detectives charged 18-year-old David O. Griffith with two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor, third-degree, cruelty to animals, second-degree, and obstructing governmental operations. The sheriff's office was tipped off that a video was circulating social media of a dog being punched, apparently by a male juvenile.
The dog was found dead on the side of a road five miles north of East Bernstadt. It had multiple stab wounds. Deputies took the dog to UK to be examined for a cause of death.
The sheriff's office said that Griffith allegedly filmed the event. He turned himself in to the Laurel County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday morning around 10:17 a.m.
Detectives charged a 17-year-old juvenile with cruelty to animals – second-degree; torture of a dog or cat offense. The teen was transported to the juvenile detention facility at Breathitt County. Toby Glen Harrison, 18, was charged with cruelty to animals – second-degree; torture of a dog or cat – first offense; two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor – third-degree.
The sheriff's office said that Harrison was at a home with two intoxicated minors. Deputies said Harrison stated he was going to kill the dog.
Harrison was arrested and put in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Deputies say that the investigation is continuing and more arrests are possible.
