After 13 dead dogs found in garage fire, NY man charged with 18 counts of animal fighting

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Thirteen pit bulls were found dead in a one-car garage that went up in flames and a New York man is facing 18 counts of felony and misdemeanor animal fighting charges.

A spokesman for Nassau County prosecutors says Saturday that Anthony Reddick was a tenant in the Long Island home where investigators discovered dogs and dogfighting apparatus following the Friday afternoon fire.

Spokesman Shams Tarek says the 53-year-old man fled the scene when the fire broke out but was arrested Saturday afternoon. He says investigators found the dead pit bulls and dog fighting equipment after executing a search warrant. He says three other pit bulls were found alive.

It wasn't clear if Reddick had an attorney. He was in custody and unavailable for comment.