A Shreveport man faces aggravated animal cruelty charges for leaving a starving pit bull puppy chained up inside a local storage facility.

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32-year-old Gabriel Lee is charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals.

The 4-month-old pit bull, now known as Braveheart, was found chained inside a unit in the 2900 block of Youree Drive in 2013. Police believe the dog had been there for several days. The puppy was emaciated and close to death.

Braveheart is now owned by a local family. has since been adopted by the foster family. He will be Grand Marshall of the Krewe of Barkus and Meow Parade at the Reeve's Marine building next to the CenturyLink Center in Sunday, February 8th. 

Lee could face a fine of up to $25,000 and a 10 year prison sentence or both.

Braveheart's story inspired a petition when the dog was taken from his foster family by Caddo Parish Animal Services when the allegations of the dog's abuse came to their attention.

No protestors showed up outside the Caddo Courthouse, where the trial is going on.

 

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