Trigger warning: This article contains content that depicts alleged animal cruelty
A Louisiana mother and daughter were arrested and charged with animal cruelty late last week after officials were alerted to a social media video that showed the pair allegedly abusing a Cane Corso in their care.
Tina Frey, 52, and her daughter, Victoria Brimer, 21, are facing two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and have currently been released from police custody on a $10,000 bond.
The mother-daughter duo run the Cypress Arrow Kennel & K9 Academy in Louisiana, but the viral video, which shows Frey striking the Cane Corso on the head with a riding crop (or quirt) while her daughter restrained him has landed the pair in hot water with the authorities. (Click below to view video).
This is a "trainer" and her daughter in Louisiana. Cypress Arrow kennel. Tina Frey.Make her famous twitters. 😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/caVQIidofyAugust 11, 2022
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"I want to thank the public for bearing with us while we conducted a complete and thorough investigation into these allegations," Sheriff Mark Wood (who works for the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office) said in a Facebook post.
"I would also like to commend our Animal Control Section and our detectives in their investigation of this incident and to staying the course, following the evidence where it leads and not bending to pressure of a quick arrest," he continued.
"We always take these animal complaints seriously as we do all crimes, but we also have to investigate and make sure the alleged crime fits the law."
Frey’s attorney, Brad Drell, strongly refutes the allegations made against her. "I want to unequivocally state that Tina Frey has never hurt or injured a dog in her care. She is a respected dog trainer and is qualified to train other trainers."
In an interview with People magazine, Drell goes on to state that the Cane Corso is a dangerous breed that needs to be handled properly, something that he believes Frey knows how to do.
"While the quirt (whip) makes some noise, it is flexible and not painful. While I understand that many people feel, and some quite strongly, that the use of the quirt is not what they would do to correct a dog, the use of the quirt is not inhumane under the law. Fenixx was in no way injured, as is shown in the video.
While the video is disturbing for many to watch, what needs to be understood is that Fenixx at the time was attempting to chew through a leash, which would have allowed Fenixx to bite either Ms. Frey or her daughter," he said.
Animal activists, celebrities and dog lovers around the world have been quick to refute Drell’s claims, calling for justice to be served. The investigation, which remains active and ongoing, could see the pair face further charges, with authorities saying this is not the first time that Frey and Brimer have been accused of animal cruelty.
