Atlanta Falcon Fights Animal Abuse Charges

On the evening of February 18^th 2007, Blair Anderson took her pit-bull mix, Kilo to the Animal Emergency in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Officials report that on the way to the animal hospital, Kilo was vomiting blood, and unfortunately, the dog was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The significance of this case is that Blair Anderson is the girlfriend of Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman, Jonathan Babineaux---who has been accused of causing the dog's death.

THE BEGINNING

Problems began when Anderson reported to police that she and Babineaux had recently had a heated argument. Shortly after their exchange, Anderson went to the movies. She claims that Jonathan Babineaux called her while she was out, and informed her that something was wrong with Kilo, the dog. He advised that she should come home and check on him. When she returned home, it was apparent that the animal was in "physical distress." Babineaux met his girlfriend at the animal hospital and denied any responsibility for his death.

THE UGLY MESS

Police however, have revealed that there are certain inconsistencies with Babineaux's story as it relates to the injuries that Kilo sustained. Thus he was arrested at his Lawrenceville town home around 1 a.m. Monday morning (2/19/2007) under the charge of felony cruelty to animals. Information obtained from the animal center reveals that Kilo died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Jonathan Babineaux was released from jail on $2,300 bond. Police have revealed that they are waiting for further test results from the Animal Emergency Center of Gwinnett. But they have claimed that if Babineaux is convicted of felony cruelty to animals, he could face anywhere from 1 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.