Arrest warrants charging animal fighting and aggravated animal cruelty, both felonies, have been issued against Carlton Dewayne Nelson in connection with last Sunday’s discovery of an apparent dog fighting scene off Tranham Road in Joelton.
Nelson, 40, of John A. Merritt Boulevard, was not at work today and remains at large. Efforts to locate and arrest him are continuing.
The animal fighting charge stems from the discovery Sunday of a dog fighting pit and the remnants of veterinary medications/wound dressing bottles in a clearing behind a wooded area in the 4900 block of Tranham Road. Also discovered was a “break stick,” in this case a mop handle with bite marks on one end. Break sticks are used to separate dogs in the midst of a fight.
Nine live pit bull terriers were found on the property. Each was secured by a heavy gauge steel chain. The dogs had various wounds and scars on their bodies.
Nelson, who came to the scene after police arrived, admitted that he owned some of the dogs. Paperwork confirming ownership and the lineage of the some of the animals was located in his vehicle. Nelson said he had come to the property to feed and water the dogs.
The animal cruelty charge stems from the discovery of a dead pit bull inside a dog house. It had been dead for some time. Detectives believe food and water had been withheld from the dog.
The investigation into this case is being headed by Detective Wayne Fisher of the police department’s Specialized Investigations Division, who obtained the warrants against Nelson today. Metro Animal Control is assisting on the case .
Carlton Nelson
###
Disclaimer: These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Send questions or comments about this site to webmaster@police.nashville.org
