Charleston WV woman charged with animal cruelty and possible dogfighting.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A Charleston woman is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities seized 13 pit bulls suspected of being raised as fighters at her home. Danielle Digiorgi is scheduled for arraignment Sept. 19 in Charleston Municipal Court on charges of animal cruelty and tethering violations. The latter charge stems from heavy chains used to restrain some of the dogs. Humane Officer Clarence Carte said Wednesday that he found what looked to be a makeshift arena and exercise equipment similar to kinds used in illegal dog fighting operations at Digiorgi’s home last month. He went to the home based on an anonymous tip.

Source: Herald Dispatch 8/29/07.Woman’s lawyer says dog fighting allegations false
The Associated Press



CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The lawyer for a woman facing animal cruelty charges after 13 pit bulls were seized from her property denies allegations that the dogs may have been trained for fighting. Mike DelGiudice, who represents Danielle Digiorgi of Charleston, said the case has been sensationalized because of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick’s case. Vick pleaded guilty Monday to a federal dogfighting charge in Richmond, Va. “There is no dog fighting going on, no training for dog fighting going on,” DelGiudice said. “All the dogs were well cared for. These are not vicious dogs. They are good dogs. Nobody mistreated them or abused them.” Humane Officer Clarence Carte said Wednesday that he found what looked to be a makeshift arena and exercise equipment similar to kinds used in illegal dog fighting operations at Digiorgi’s home last month. He went to the home based on an anonymous tip. Carte said the animals had no scratches or marks that would show they had been sparring. “She had a dog, her fiance had a dog and some friend of hers needed her to take care of her dogs for a while,” DelGiudice said. “There were some tables put together to contain the puppies. That’s it. There is nothing to this. It has been trumped up.” Digiorgi is scheduled for arraignment Sept. 19 in Charleston Municipal Court on charges of animal cruelty and tethering violations. The latter charge stems from heavy chains used to restrain some of the dogs.

Source: Herald Dispatch 9/3/07