Denver Man Accused Of Animal Cruelty Formally Charged

DENVER (CBS4) - A man accused of animal cruelty has been formally charged.

Lynn Kimbrough with the district attorney's office said Chunie Smith, 31, is charged with three counts of animal cruelty and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty after dogs in his care were found to be starving or were already dead.

"On March 5, 2013, the Denver Animal Shelter learned of two dead American bulldogs that had been placed in a container in the alley behind the 1500 block of Groves Street. Further investigation revealed another adult bulldog and two bulldog puppies at the same location, all severely malnourished," Kimbrough said in a statement.

Smith is free on a $1,400 bond. He is scheduled to appear court on April 22 to be formally advised of the charges.