Arrest Made in Animal Cruelty Case

On the evening of April 22, 2023, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 300 block of Houston Road in Center Point to investigate a domestic violence incident.  During the course of the domestic violence investigation, deputies discovered a small dog that had been egregiously abused.  The dog was suffering from skin and fur loss, was gravely malnourished and had endured, what appeared to be, long-term neglect and abuse. Deputies contacted The Greater Birmingham Humane Society and requested their assistance with the dog.  The dog was taken by GBHS for treatment.  It is unknown if the dog will survive the injuries sustained.

Investigators were able to determine that the suspect in the domestic violence incident, was also the suspect in the dog’s abuse.  On Monday night, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies initiated a search for 31-year-old Derrias Waldrop.  Waldrop was located in the parking lot of an apartment complex near the location of the initial investigation.  He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was booked for the charges of Domestic Violence 3rd Degree and Cruelty to a Dog or Cat 1st Degree.  During the booking process, it was determined that Waldrop had an amount of fentanyl in his possession that was confiscated by deputy personnel.  Promoting Prison Contraband was then added to Waldrop’s charges.  His bond’s total $36,000.00.

“Heinous acts such as this, will not be ignored”, said Sheriff Mark Pettway.  “We are proud of the partnership we have built with The Greater Birmingham Humane Society and we will continue to work together to stop the abuse and neglect of defenseless animals.”  Donations to assist with the medical care of this dog can be made to The Greater Birmingham Humane Society at www.gbhs.org/donate.