Latest news with #ABC3340
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Man faces severe penalties for dangerous crime on public roadway: 'We need to send a message'
An Alabama resident was charged with criminal littering after being caught illegally dumping trash in a neighborhood in northeastern Birmingham, per ABC 3340. A resident captured footage of Richard Selman, 69, of Leeds, Alabama, discarding debris on a roadway in South Eastlake and reported the crime to the authorities. Under state law, criminal littering is a class B misdemeanor that carries a fine of $500 for the first offense but also includes further penalties depending on the material dumped. Further offenses carry higher fines and mandated community service. As the Environmental Protection Agency reports, illegal dumping is a widespread problem that poses health and safety hazards for locals and negatively impacts quality of life and property values. It's an inherently anti-social crime that harms the ecosystem and people. Illegally discarded debris can contaminate the soil and local water sources and attract vermin. Litter isn't just an eyesore; it can also devastate local wildlife that ingest toxic substances and spread disease. The city of Birmingham has taken steps to address the issue with its D.U.M.M.Y (Dumping Ugly Mess in My Yard) campaign. The initiative seeks to change anti-social behavior and empower residents to help keep Birmingham free of illegally discarded waste. The project also offers information for residents seeking to discard waste responsibly. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, stating: "It will take everyone pitching in to help keep our city clean and prosecute those who don't." In this case, it was thanks to a civic-minded resident that Selman was ultimately brought to justice. The story shows that properly enforced legislation and taking local action can go a long way to protecting the environment. Birmingham police chief Michael Pickett told WBRC News his department takes such offenses seriously. "We need to send a message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated in the city limits of Birmingham," he said. "We are not a dumping ground for anyone. Whether they are a resident in our city or someone coming in simply to dump in our city." Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Alabama Dog Trainer Found Guilty of Animal Cruelty, Gets Prison Sentence
A dog trainer in Alabama's Chilton County received a year-long prison sentence but will only serve 180 days behind bars following an animal cruelty conviction. Cupid Seymour's guilty verdict on the charge stemmed from the death of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chloe. The puppy reportedly died at his training facility, Cupid's Dog House, in October 2024 after spending three weeks there. The next month, authorities arrested Seymour after a necropsy uncovered that Chloe had lost excessive amounts of weight under his care, as per ABC 3340. Dog trainer Cupid Seymour will serve three months of a 365-day prison sentence resulting from his animal cruelty conviction. He will then remain under unsupervised probation for the rest of the term and receive credit for time already served since his arrest last November. In addition to that, Seymour will have to pay $3,500 in restitution, a $1,000 fine, and court costs. The case gained massive online traction after a 4-month-old puppy under his care at Cupid's Dog House died, eventually resulting in his arrest and a guilty verdict. WVTM-13 reported that Chloe, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, died at his training facility under suspicious circumstances in October. The puppy's dog mom, Karen Black, got a call from the trainer on October 19, when he informed her of the unfortunate news. To Black, something seemed off about Chloe's death, and she had her veterinarian perform a necropsy. The results revealed that the dog had lost a significant amount — one-third — of body weight after three weeks at Seymour's facility under his care. In addition, she showed possible signs of anorexia. However, the dog trainer, who soon faced an animal cruelty charge, claimed that Chloe had been healthy and happy in the time leading up to her death. In fact, Seymour sent Black videos showing the same, but she decided to press charges, prompting the subsequent legal case. Later on, attorneys for the training facility contradicted the weight loss claim, alleging that the deceased dog had consumed 35 pounds of food during her stint there. Besides the fine, restitution, and prison time, Seymour must finish 50 hours of community service with the Humane Society. The post Alabama Dog Trainer Found Guilty of Animal Cruelty, Gets Prison Sentence appeared first on DogTime.
