DA: Freeport Man Pleads Guilty to All Charges in Fire that Killed 13 Pit Bulls

A Freeport man pleaded guilty Monday to all counts in connection to a residential garage fire in February that killed 13 pit bulls and revealed dogfighting paraphernalia, authorities said.

Anthony Reddick, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of felony animal fighting for breeding the dogs, one count of felony animal fighting for training the dogs, three counts of misdemeanor possession of animal fighting paraphernalia, and 16 misdemeanor animal fighting charges – one for each dog found, according the Nassau County District Attorney’s office. On Monday, Reddick also gave up three living pit bulls that were found alive at the scene.

Prosecutors say they are asking for the maximum sentence of 1-1/3 to 4 years in prison. He is due back in court for sentencing on Sept. 22.

“This case is another example of why we need action in Albany to give law enforcement the necessary tools to combat dogfighting and other forms of animal abuse,” District Attorney Kathleen Rice said.

“Though this defendant is a repeat offender, dogfighting has been left out of the litany of qualifying offenses that are subject to increased penalties,” she added. “That needs to change if we are to fully hold those engaging in dogfighting accountable and deter others from this cruel enterprise.”

Freeport Village fire and police officials found the dead dogs and dogfighting paraphernalia – as well as three live dogs – when responding to a garage fire at 101 Hillside Avenue in Freeport on Feb. 28. Reddick, the tenant of that multi-tenant home, left the scene soon after authorities arrived, according to the DA’s office.

Detectives found and arrested Reddick in Hempstead on March 1, officials said.

A March 1 search warrant revealed an additional pit bull, named KK, living with Reddick. KK bore face scarring consistent with dogfighting, according to authorities.

The DA’s offices said investigators also discovered breeding and training paraphernalia in the garage and in the house including treadmills with dog tethers; apparatus for restraining a female dog for breeding purposes; syringes, various injectable medications, animal vitamin supplements, and wound care medications for dogs; break-sticks with bite marks on them; documents listing animal pairings, events, food recipes, and other written materials related to dogfighting activity.

They also found at the home were a machete and wall posters depicting pit bulls with scarring on the face consistent with dogfighting, according to officials.

The deceased dogs ranged in age from about two and a half months to five years old. Most had third-degree burns and all were burned to death in the fire, the DA’s office said.

Reddick is represented by Martha Leventhal of the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County.