Cliff Notes – Tyrese Gibson issues statement after failing to surrender to police over fatal dog mauling
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Tyrese Gibson expressed deep sorrow and responsibility following the fatal mauling of a neighbour’s spaniel by his Cane Corso dogs, stating he is “shocked, devastated, and heartbroken” over the incident.
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Despite an active arrest warrant and police concerns for community safety, Gibson has yet to turn himself in, with authorities previously warning him about his dogs.
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In response to the tragedy, Gibson has rehomed his dogs and emphasised his lifelong love for animals, denying any training of his pets to attack and urging the media to focus on the grieving family rather than sensationalising the event.
Tyrese Gibson issues statement after failing to surrender to police over fatal dog mauling
Tyrese Gibson has apologised for his dog’s fatally mauling a neighbour’s pet (Picture: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Tyrese Gibson has spoken publicly about the fatal dog attack that left him facing an arrest warrant in Georgia, saying he is ‘shocked, devastated, and heartbroken’ over the incident.
Authorities in Fulton County say four of the Fast & Furious star’s Cane Corso dogs mauled a neighbor’s small spaniel on September 18.
Despite being rushed to a veterinary hospital, the spaniel did not survive and police confirmed this week that Gibson has yet to turn himself in despite being ordered to surrender by last Friday.
Fulton County Police Captain Nicole Dwyer said Gibson had previously been warned about his dogs and stressed the department’s concern for community safety.
‘When there’s so many incidents of dogs, especially large dogs like this, getting out and then killing an animal, you know, what’s next? A child? Our main priority is safety and that’s why we want the dogs in custody,’ she said.
Police later executed a search warrant at Gibson’s Atlanta property, but neither the actor nor the dogs were present.
Gibson’s attorney, Gabe Banks of Banks Weaver Law Firm, issued a statement on behalf of his client: ‘On behalf of my client, Mr. Tyrese Gibson, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family who lost their beloved dog in this tragic incident.
‘Tyrese’s heart is truly broken, and he has been praying for the family constantly, hoping they may one day find it in their hearts to forgive him.’
Banks confirmed Gibson was not home when the mauling occurred but said the actor accepts full responsibility for his dogs.
‘Immediately upon learning what happened, Tyrese made the incredibly difficult decision to rehome his two adult dogs and their three puppies in safe and loving homes. The liability of keeping them was simply too great, and he could not bear the thought of anything like this ever happening again.’
Gibson has appeared in seven Fast & Furious films (Picture: Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images)
In his own statement, also posted to Instagram, Gibson described himself as a lifelong dog lover who never trained his pets to attack.
‘After nearly 40 years of being a passionate dog lover—raising everything from Pomeranians, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltese, to larger breeds like Shar Peis—my dogs have only ever been treated as family. They’ve never been trained to harm, never spent a single day in attack or protection training, and they’ve grown up playing with kids and smaller dogs in my home,’ he wrote.
‘That’s why this incident has left me shocked, devastated, and heartbroken for the family affected. As an empath, my heart hurts deeply for their unimaginable loss, and I’ve been trying to reach out directly to express my sorrow and condolences.’
Gibson said he was ‘heartbroken’ for the family (Picture: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
Gibson added that he is currently in Los Angeles mourning the loss of his father just two weeks ago.
‘To the family who lost their beloved pet: please know that I am praying for you, grieving with you, and will continue to face this tragedy with honesty, responsibility, and compassion.’
The actor also criticised media outlets for using stock photos of Cane Corsos that he says are not his own animals. ‘This is not about me. This is about the family that’s dealing with a very unexpected tragedy. I just wanted to post this and give some clarity.’
While Gibson has expressed sorrow and responsibility, the arrest warrant issued in Fulton County remains active.
Metro has contacted the Fulton County Police Department and representatives for Tyrese Gibson for comment.
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