Florida: Animal abuser/killer/Greyhound trainer Ronnie Williams loses license, fined $170,000

FLORIDA -- The state of Florida has issued a final order against Ronnie Williams, the Washington County trainer who was found responsible for the deaths of 37 greyhounds under his care at the Ebro Greyhound Park.

The final administrative order permanently revokes Ronnie Williams’ license and imposes a record-breaking fine of $170,000.

 

 

In October 2010, Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering investigators discovered the bodies of 37 greyhound dogs at the Ebro kennels.

Authorities determined the 37 dogs died as a result of starvation and dehydration [Ronald Williams purposely put muzzles on them and then left them in cages to slowly starve to death]. Five surviving dogs were also rescued by investigators. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

  

 

The administrative case was investigated by the department’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and was prosecuted by the Office of the General Counsel within the department.

Based on the administrative case, a final order revokes Ron Williams’ license, and makes him ineligible to obtain licensure in the future from the State of Florida.

The order also assesses the $170,000 fine, the largest fine ever assessed against an individual licensee by the division.

  

  

 

Criminal charges are still pending in the case and are being pursued by the State Attorney’s Office in Washington County.

To continue efforts to protect greyhounds in Florida’s racing industry, the department is currently in the process of developing rules regarding animal welfare due to changes in Section 550.2415, which became effective last July with the passage of Senate Bill 622.

 

(WJHG - March 11, 2011)

Earlier:

• Florida: Ronnie Williams Could Be Linked To More Greyhound Deaths
• Florida: Cops Stunned After Ronnie Williams Charged With Starving Dozens of Dogs
• Florida: The greyhounds Ronnie Williams failed to kill get lots of love, care