The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is calling this case of animal cruelty "unspeakable." According to deputies this began in June 2012. They say James Stewart Robinson slashed the throat of the dog at the center of the custody battle.
Deputies say the two were in the process of divorcing and both were trying to gain custody of the animal. The Sheriff's Office says evidence proves that on June 17th, Robinson cut the dog's throat, killing it. Then, he sent his wife a picture of the deceased dog and alluded to her being "next."
"Just looking at this case, the person responsible has a deep dark side and some issues we don't know about," Jefferson County Chief Deputy Randy Christian said. "I would like to think he is not in his right mind. I would like to think a normal person would not be capable of this."
Originally Robinson had called 911 to say that his estranged wife had killed the dog. However, Jefferson County deputies along with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) sent the remains to the University of Florida for a forensic analysis.
"It's shocking first of all, to do something to an animal especially when it was yours," Terri Mundy, a neighbor said.
"It's really the unspeakable," Chief Deputy Randy Christian, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. "Anyone in our society who has ever had a pet, knows the affection and loyalty and love that animal shows to a family."
Robinson is still at large. He is charged with cruelty to a dog and the charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Deputies were at the home in the 4600 block of Caldwell Mill Road searching for him Tuesday evening. Neighbors say he no longer lives there.
Deputies have been in touch with Robinson's lawyer and his father.
(WBRC - Nov 21, 2012)
