Dennis Griffin, of North Fort Myers, was cited for an incident that occurred in October 2012, according to a Lee County Domestic Animal Services release.
Thomas Linville, a transient, was charged under Florida statute for an incident that occurred July 20.
According to the citations, the cases involved a pit bull and a boxer-pit bull mix. Both cases involved witnesses who reported the incidents to authorities, according to the release.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office used a search warrant to remove Griffin’s dog from his home.
Animal Services took custody of the animal. Linville chose to voluntarily surrender his dog to Animal Services.
Lee County ordinance and Florida statute prohibit bestiality, and Animal Services considers crimes of this nature to be particularly cruel and disturbing, according to the release.
On Wednesday, Griffin denied the allegations in a telephone interview.
"I've never been cruel to animals," he said.
Griffin explained that he believes a neighbor contacted Animal Services and that his dog was taken when he was not home. Griffin took in the dog when its previous owner could no longer care for it.
"It's all (BS)," he said of the charges. Linville chose to surrender his dog to authorities, Brown reported. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Linville's violation carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine upon convicted. Griffin faces a maximum penalty of a $500 fine.
Anyone with information regarding animal abuse is asked to call Animal Services at 239-533-7387. To be eligible to receive a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
(News Press - July 31, 2013)
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