Tyrese Gibson Turns Himself In To Police For Animal Cruelty Charges

Earlier this month, a tragic incident occurred involving Tyrese‘s four cane corso dogs and allegedly killing a neighbor’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel in their Atlanta neighborhood. After a warrant was issued last Monday (Sept. 22) for Gibson’s arrest, the “Sweet Lady” singer has now chosen to turn himself.

According to NBC, jail records show Gibson was was booked on a charge of cruelty to animals and released on bond. Records show neighbors said four cane corso dogs were seen running through the neighborhood on Sept. 18 and killed a neighbor’s 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Henry.

The police report states security footage showed Gibson’s four cane corsos running toward Henry’s home. Henry’s owner said he let his dog out into his yard after 10 p.m. to use the bathroom and found him dead in the driveway five minutes later. On the same evening of the attack, a woman called animal control to report that four cane corsos were at her door and she needed to be escorted to her vehicle, per NBC.

The report also stated that Gibson “admitted that he believes his dogs killed Henry and that he knows it’s been an ongoing issue over the past few months with his dogs getting out.” On Sept. 22, animal control went to the Fast & Furious actor’s home to have him surrender the four dogs, but he refused over the phone and said he needed a few days to figure out his next steps. They returned to his residence the following day with a search warrant, but Tyrese and the dogs were not there.

In a statement posted to Gibson’s Instagram account, his lawyer shared his client “accepts full responsibility for his dogs.” The statement also explained Tyrese made the decision to get his cane corsos because he felt he needed protection from “stalkers randomly showing up at his home,” and the dogs have never viciously attacked anyone until this recent incident.

Gabe Banks of Banks Weaver Law Firm wrote, “Since the day he learned of this tragedy, Mr. Gibson has been actively trying to reach out to the family directly to express his sorrow and condolences. He knows nothing can undo their loss, but he wants them to know he is truly heartbroken.”

VIBE has reached out to Gibson’s lawyers for a statement.

Tyrese, in his own quote, concluded with, “I had no idea I would ever wake up to this nightmare, and I know the family must feel the same way. To them, please know that my heart is broken for you. I am praying for your healing and for your beloved pet, who never deserved this. I remain committed to facing this matter with honesty, responsibility, and compassion.”

NBC states that Fulton County police captain said Gibson had received a warning on Sept. 7 because his dogs were seen running through the neighborhood more than five times over the past few months. In Tyrese’s statement, he shared his decision to rehome his two adult dogs and their three puppies “in safe and loving homes” because the liability of keeping them “was simply too great.”