Actor Tyrese Gibson Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Fatal Dog Attack

ATLANTA, GA – Actor and singer Tyrese Gibson turned himself in to Atlanta police Friday on animal cruelty charges after his dogs fatally mauled a neighbor’s pet in September.

Gibson, 46, was booked on a charge of cruelty to animals and released on $20,000 bond following his arrest on October 3. An arrest warrant had been issued on September 22 after he initially failed to turn himself in as requested by authorities.

The incident occurred on September 18 when four of Gibson’s Cane Corso dogs escaped from his property and attacked a neighbor’s 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Henry. The small dog’s owner had let him out to use the bathroom just after 10 p.m., and returned five minutes later to find Henry severely injured in the driveway.

Henry sustained separated and broken ribs, blood on the left side of his rib cage, light puncture marks on his stomach, and severe internal bleeding from the attack. The dog later died from his injuries.

Doorbell camera footage captured the moments before the fatal attack, showing Gibson’s large dogs running through the neighborhood. According to police reports, Gibson’s dogs had been seen loose in the area more than five times over the previous few months.

Gibson had received a written warning from authorities on September 7 regarding his dogs running at large, just eleven days before the fatal attack occurred. Police reports indicate Gibson admitted he believed his dogs killed Henry and acknowledged “it’s been an ongoing issue over the past few months with his dogs getting out.”

Gibson’s attorney stated the actor was out of town when the attack occurred and that “he accepts full responsibility for his dogs.” Following the incident, Gibson rehomed two of the adult dogs and placed three puppies in what his attorney described as “safe and loving homes.”

The “Fast and Furious” franchise star was found in possession of a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest, authorities confirmed. No additional charges were filed related to the weapon.

Cane Corsos are large Italian mastiff dogs bred for guarding and protection work. The breed typically weighs between 90 to 120 pounds and requires extensive training and secure containment due to their size and protective instincts.

Gibson rose to fame in the 1990s as a R&B singer before transitioning to acting, with notable roles in the “Fast and Furious” films and “Transformers” franchise. He has continued to balance both music and acting careers throughout his time in entertainment.