Ex-officer charged in puppy case will stand trial

A Superior Court judge says that a former city police officer accused of burying eight puppies alive does not face double jeopardy.

Posted 9:52 p.m. Sep 17, 2008 — Updated 9:52 p.m. Sep 17, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A Superior Court judge says that a former city police officer accused of burying eight puppies alive must face trial on felony animal cruelty charges despite having paid fines to Cumberland County for violating a county animal cruelty ordinance.

John Leggett's attorney, Bruce Cunningham, had argued that because Leggett paid $800 in fines for county ordinance violations, prosecution on the charges that a grand jury brought in October would be double jeopardy.

Judge Jack Thomas rejected the argument in a ruling Monday.

County animal control agents accused Leggett, who breeds hunting dogs, of burying the puppies on his property in Cedar Creek. Two died. The other six and their mother were seized so they could be put up for adoption.

Suggest A Correction