Woman indicted on dog fighting, animal cruelty charges
JOHNSTON COUNTY (WTVD) -- A Johnston County woman has been arrested on dog fighting and animal cruelty charges.
According to court documents, the incidents happened more than a year ago in January 2015. However, 21-year-old Kareleikeya Ankeria Leach of Smithfield was formally indicted on the charges this month.
The court documents revealed that four dogs were seized from Leach's home. One was euthanized on Jan. 21, 2015 and the second on Jan. 28, 2015 due to the severity of their injuries.
One of the animals - a gray male pit bull - had untreated bite wounds to the face and a badly swollen head. The other - a black and white female pit bull - had a broken leg, bite wounds to the face and a badly swollen head.
The two other neglected dogs - a white and black pit bull with an open wound to the neck and another white and black pit bull with an injured leg - survived and were later placed with animal rescue groups.
Smithfield police said all four of the animals lacked food and water.
Leach was also charged with felony dog fighting. Smithfield police evidence found in 2015 indicated dog fighting had taken place at her home.
According to a True Bill of Indictment, Leach instigated, promoted, conducted and allowed property under her control to be used "for exhibition featuring the fighting of a dog with another animal."
With information from Mickey Lamm/WTSB Radio
