SOUTH AFRICA -- Four people were injured when they were attacked by dogs in Heidelberg, Gauteng police said on Thursday.
A newspaper distributor, a gardener, and two neighbours were attacked by two pit bulls on Wednesday afternoon, police spokesperson Thivhulawi Tshilate said.
The dogs came out through an unlocked door and seriously injured the distributor while he was putting a newspaper in the post box.
"He was bitten all over his body, especially on his arms and legs," Tshilate said.
The dogs then seriously injured a gardener, who was attacked when he went to help the man.
"He was bitten on his left leg and arms," Tshilate said.
Two neighbours, an elderly man and a youth, were also attacked by the dogs when they tried to help the two men.
The youth was slightly injured and police were unable to confirm the extent of the elderly man's injuries.
The two men were taken to Heidelberg Hospital for medical treatment.
Police, who received a complaint about the attack, managed to subdue one of the dogs and took it to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for safety.
The owner of the other dog took it back inside the yard.
(NEWS24 - July 31, 2016)
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Montana: Lake County Deputy refuses to take no for answer from puppy mill operators Larry and Nadene Latzke; gets search warrant and saves animals
MONTANA -- After more than a DECADE of complaints, the Lake County Sheriff's Department cited Larry and Nadene Latzke (aka Nedene Latzke, Nadine Latzke), the owners of LDR Kennels in Charlo, for Felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
After receiving complaints about the kennel a deputy from the Lake County Sheriff's Department wanted to do something about it.
"This deputy did some research and went back to 2008," said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, "where deputies went out there and investigated, and the [owners] would never let them in. You really couldn't do an investigation.
"So he gathered up statements from people that had bought animals from this location, and from that complaint went and took it in front of a judge and got a search warrant to search this place."
The warrant allowed members of the Life Savers Animal Rescue to come in Tuesday afternoon and raid the property.
"When they originally got their search warrant," said Lynette Hinshaw-Duford, "they were told that there were 30 dogs on the property. When they investigated a little further it turned out that there was about 130 dogs on the property."
LSAR was only able to rescue dogs that were deemed in need of [immediate] veterinary care. Dogs that were deemed healthy had to stay because they are still property of the kennel.
Only 11 dogs were removed from the kennel on Tuesday, taken to the Polson area and are now under the temporary care of a veterinarian.
"The outbuildings are basically the size of a trailer house with a walkway down the middle. The kennels are stacked on top of each other up the sides on each side of you as you walk through the middle. There are 2 to 3 dogs per cage and there are no temperature controls, at least there were not when we were there so it was unbelievably hot inside those buildings.
"The dogs urine and feces fall through the mesh wiring that they are standing on into a tray that Trey is the ceiling for the dogs underneath. The dogs only stand on wire, they don't get to stand on anything flat like a board or a towel they are only on wire all day every day."
They are breeding and selling: Chihuahua, Cockapoo, Maltese, Havanese, Bernese Mountain Dog, Pug, Shih Tzu, West Highland Terrier (aka Westie), Yorkshire Terrier (aka Yorkie), Papillon, Cavapoo, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Australian Shepherd (aka Mini Aussie), Affenpinscher, Cardigan Corgi, Scottish Terrier, and probably many more.
The court hearing for the owners of the kennel is scheduled for Aug. 10. That is likely when we will know whether the rest of the dogs will be moving out to a different home.
If the rest of those dogs are released, LSAR says what they need most are foster families for the dogs, as well as donations. You can donate through the company's website.
We looked into LDR Kennels and found complaints dating back years with negative and graphic online reviews.
In 2009, there were letters written to the Montana Legislature about the kennels, encouraging a Montana bill be passed so the kennel could be closed. The House voted that bill down.
The Latzkes are listed HERE being on the list to speak in front of the Montana Legislature in April 2009 (do a search by their last name or scroll down to page 2) regarding HB 548, which would have put restrictions on those running puppy mills.
In March 2011, they again went and spoke in front of the legislature - click HERE to see their names listed. Rep. Sue Malek (D), HD 98, opened the hearing on HB 515, Provide for maximum number of dogs and minimum standards of care.
Larry Latzke (LDR Kennels) is listed as one of the speakers scheduled to speak AGAINST the proposed law (page 3). Imagine that!
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service made record requests on the kennel that same year.
"Today the Lake County Sheriff's office served a search warrant, finally forcing the owners to expose the conditions these dogs live their entire lives in. The stench of urine and feces was overwhelming and I am not sure how we are supposed to sleep knowing we only saved a few of the 130 dogs suffering there today. I almost can't put any of this into words.
"Specifically, to the two families who purchased puppies in the middle of this raid, shame on you. The driveway was full of sheriff and rescue vehicles and they still gave those people money for a puppy. Speechless" - Life Savers Animal Rescue Facebook post
This gushing August 2007 article about the Latzkes from a magazine/blog called "The Kennel Spotlight: An In-Depth Look at the Heart of the Professional Kennel Industry" says:
"In July, a fire almost took (Nadine Latzke) out. She lost 70 dogs, but in the efforts of saving 30 dogs she was overcome with heat and smoke and could have lost her own life. She cried until September when Larry finally said, "It's time to rebuild and stop this crying". They bought a Southwest Kennel Supply building and PROCEEDED TO FILL IT WITH DOGS PURCHASED FROM SOUTHWEST AUCTION SALES.
They made the move to Montana in 2002 and purchased an additional Southwest Kennel Supply building, in addition to remodeling several existing buildings on the Montana rach. They have now expanded their kennel to include 300 DOGS IN 18 DIFFERENT BREEDS. I saw a range of breeds from Chihuahuas to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Larry and Nadine sell almost all of their dogs through Kalispell and Missoula newspaper ads to retail customers and THEREFORE, DO NOT NEED A USDA LICENSE. However, they chose to VOLUNTARILY have one (USDA license) as another tool besides their GREAT QUALITY DOGS, CLEAN FACILITIES, AND OUTSTANDING CARE, TO COUNTER THE ATTACKS THAT COME THEIR WAY FROM THE ANIMAL ACTIVISTS IN THE AREA.
Someone want to explain how you can "love" animals and yet stuff 100 dogs into a building and breed the crap out of them? How can you dare to tell the public these animals are raised in "loving homes" when you've got 300 dogs - from Chihuahuas to Bernese Mountain Dogs - breeding and producing non-stop?? And yet... as far back as 2007 - NINE YEARS AGO! - they were claiming harassment from "animal activists".
I don't have a problem with legitimate breeders who produce a couple litters a year. However, these breeders need to step up and be a voice against these puppy mill operators so the naysayers can quit saying it's just a bunch of animal loonies who have issues with dogs being raised in chicken coops.
UPDATE:
News sources are saying several of the animals seized in the raid have been returned as their injuries have not been deemed "severe enough" to warrant keeping them as evidence.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell says it's up to the county attorney to determine what's next.
"I went in and looked at the scene and was surprised myself, (by) the magnitude of it," he said. "But in a lot of the cases they're within Montana law. I may not agree with the conditions there, but if the folks are in Montana law, my hands are [tied]."
(NBC Montana - July 26, 2016)
Earlier:
Related:
After receiving complaints about the kennel a deputy from the Lake County Sheriff's Department wanted to do something about it.
 |
| "It's devastating," said Lynette Hinshaw-Duford, with Life Savers Animal Rescue. "You drive in front of this adorable farm house, and you would never know there's a dog on the property, never. You don't hear them. You don't see them. The dogs never come out of their cages." |
"This deputy did some research and went back to 2008," said Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, "where deputies went out there and investigated, and the [owners] would never let them in. You really couldn't do an investigation.
"So he gathered up statements from people that had bought animals from this location, and from that complaint went and took it in front of a judge and got a search warrant to search this place."
The warrant allowed members of the Life Savers Animal Rescue to come in Tuesday afternoon and raid the property.
"When they originally got their search warrant," said Lynette Hinshaw-Duford, "they were told that there were 30 dogs on the property. When they investigated a little further it turned out that there was about 130 dogs on the property."
LSAR was only able to rescue dogs that were deemed in need of [immediate] veterinary care. Dogs that were deemed healthy had to stay because they are still property of the kennel.
Only 11 dogs were removed from the kennel on Tuesday, taken to the Polson area and are now under the temporary care of a veterinarian.
 |
| Larry and Nadene Latzke consider this "chicken coop" to be "state of the art" (their words, not mine) for dog breeding |
"The dogs urine and feces fall through the mesh wiring that they are standing on into a tray that Trey is the ceiling for the dogs underneath. The dogs only stand on wire, they don't get to stand on anything flat like a board or a towel they are only on wire all day every day."
They are breeding and selling: Chihuahua, Cockapoo, Maltese, Havanese, Bernese Mountain Dog, Pug, Shih Tzu, West Highland Terrier (aka Westie), Yorkshire Terrier (aka Yorkie), Papillon, Cavapoo, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Australian Shepherd (aka Mini Aussie), Affenpinscher, Cardigan Corgi, Scottish Terrier, and probably many more.
 |
| All the Latzke's puppy ads have been deleted. |
 |
| "I believe it's torture to have a dog that is so severely matted, you can't see its eyes," Hinshaw-Duford said. "You can't tell if it's a male or a female. Their teeth were so rotten that you couldn't tell the age of the dogs." |
The court hearing for the owners of the kennel is scheduled for Aug. 10. That is likely when we will know whether the rest of the dogs will be moving out to a different home.
If the rest of those dogs are released, LSAR says what they need most are foster families for the dogs, as well as donations. You can donate through the company's website.
We looked into LDR Kennels and found complaints dating back years with negative and graphic online reviews.
In 2009, there were letters written to the Montana Legislature about the kennels, encouraging a Montana bill be passed so the kennel could be closed. The House voted that bill down.
The Latzkes are listed HERE being on the list to speak in front of the Montana Legislature in April 2009 (do a search by their last name or scroll down to page 2) regarding HB 548, which would have put restrictions on those running puppy mills.
In March 2011, they again went and spoke in front of the legislature - click HERE to see their names listed. Rep. Sue Malek (D), HD 98, opened the hearing on HB 515, Provide for maximum number of dogs and minimum standards of care.
Larry Latzke (LDR Kennels) is listed as one of the speakers scheduled to speak AGAINST the proposed law (page 3). Imagine that!
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service made record requests on the kennel that same year.
"Today the Lake County Sheriff's office served a search warrant, finally forcing the owners to expose the conditions these dogs live their entire lives in. The stench of urine and feces was overwhelming and I am not sure how we are supposed to sleep knowing we only saved a few of the 130 dogs suffering there today. I almost can't put any of this into words.
"Specifically, to the two families who purchased puppies in the middle of this raid, shame on you. The driveway was full of sheriff and rescue vehicles and they still gave those people money for a puppy. Speechless" - Life Savers Animal Rescue Facebook post
| From their website: We are Larry and Nadene Latzke of St Ignatius, Montana. Nadene has been raising quality puppies for over 25 years, and with partial retirement, Larry began working with her in 2002. That is when we began building our new, state of the art kennel here in Montana.
We give our puppies the best veterinary care with our vet. She is one of those vets who simply loves and cares deeply about the animals she treats. She checks every puppy as soon as we wean it, so we know what we have to sell to you. You get the original of her check sheet and we keep a copy. We live in what we think is a "little bit of heaven" --the Mission Mountain Valley....we can look up and see some snow year around. It's definitely a wonderful place to raise our little darlings. We know you will be delighted with our puppies and that they will make a lifelong friend for you. We're very proud of our operation and our puppies....they are quality at a reasonable price.  THE REALITY: What Lake County Sheriff Don Bell says: "The smell was really strong -- ammonia. The pens were mesh pens, when they'd use the bathroom they'd fall through the grate on the plastic thing beneath them." Sheriff Bell plans to present his case Wednesday to the Lake County Attorney's Office for more charges to be filed in the case. "We're going to show the video and the photos to the county attorney and see where in the law he believes that is something he can charge them with," Bell said.  |
This gushing August 2007 article about the Latzkes from a magazine/blog called "The Kennel Spotlight: An In-Depth Look at the Heart of the Professional Kennel Industry" says:
"In July, a fire almost took (Nadine Latzke) out. She lost 70 dogs, but in the efforts of saving 30 dogs she was overcome with heat and smoke and could have lost her own life. She cried until September when Larry finally said, "It's time to rebuild and stop this crying". They bought a Southwest Kennel Supply building and PROCEEDED TO FILL IT WITH DOGS PURCHASED FROM SOUTHWEST AUCTION SALES.
They made the move to Montana in 2002 and purchased an additional Southwest Kennel Supply building, in addition to remodeling several existing buildings on the Montana rach. They have now expanded their kennel to include 300 DOGS IN 18 DIFFERENT BREEDS. I saw a range of breeds from Chihuahuas to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Larry and Nadine sell almost all of their dogs through Kalispell and Missoula newspaper ads to retail customers and THEREFORE, DO NOT NEED A USDA LICENSE. However, they chose to VOLUNTARILY have one (USDA license) as another tool besides their GREAT QUALITY DOGS, CLEAN FACILITIES, AND OUTSTANDING CARE, TO COUNTER THE ATTACKS THAT COME THEIR WAY FROM THE ANIMAL ACTIVISTS IN THE AREA.
Someone want to explain how you can "love" animals and yet stuff 100 dogs into a building and breed the crap out of them? How can you dare to tell the public these animals are raised in "loving homes" when you've got 300 dogs - from Chihuahuas to Bernese Mountain Dogs - breeding and producing non-stop?? And yet... as far back as 2007 - NINE YEARS AGO! - they were claiming harassment from "animal activists".
I don't have a problem with legitimate breeders who produce a couple litters a year. However, these breeders need to step up and be a voice against these puppy mill operators so the naysayers can quit saying it's just a bunch of animal loonies who have issues with dogs being raised in chicken coops.
UPDATE:
News sources are saying several of the animals seized in the raid have been returned as their injuries have not been deemed "severe enough" to warrant keeping them as evidence.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell says it's up to the county attorney to determine what's next.
"I went in and looked at the scene and was surprised myself, (by) the magnitude of it," he said. "But in a lot of the cases they're within Montana law. I may not agree with the conditions there, but if the folks are in Montana law, my hands are [tied]."
Earlier:
 |
| RIP Penny Bear - puppy mill dog |
Oklahoma: Heather Scyrkels, 43, and her daughter, Helena Scyrkels, 20, charged with felony animal cruelty for hoarding
OKLAHOMA -- The formal charges have come down for a Lindsay pair accused of hoarding more than 100 small animals in their home.
Claiming to be an animal shelter, both Heather Shawna Scrykels, 43, and her daughter, Helena Gabrielle Scyrkels, 20, have received felony charges of cruelty to animals.
A total of 111 cats, dogs and other animals were confiscated back on July 14 at their Lindsay residence in the 900 block of Choctaw.
Authorities say one of the dogs has been euthanized from an infection, while the remaining animals are still being cared for at three different shelters.
An affidavit filed in Garvin County District Court does offer a few more details about the case.
When officials with the county sheriff’s office and Lindsay police took the animals into custody they report finding 30 cats in the house and another 20 kept in a backyard pen.
Five dogs were found in small cages inside the house, while five more were in a backyard pen. Also found were some rabbits and a few other animals, such as a hedgehog, kinkajou and ferrets.
According to the report, there were several cats suffering from a respiratory condition with others unable to open their eyes. Ringworm was also a condition reported for many of the animals.
“The animals were deprived of necessary food, drink, shelter or veterinary care,” officials reported.
“The home was extremely dirty, disorderly and unkempt. The strong odor of urine and feces made it difficult to breathe easy.”
The case actually began back on July 11 when the sheriff’s office was contacted by an Erin Springs resident south of Lindsay. It included hearing talk of missing animals in the area.
That ultimately led to the tip of a lot of animals being held at a house in Lindsay.
Two nights later officers were allowed to walk through and check out the conditions of Scyrkels’ house.
The following day all the animals were seized as authorities went to work trying to find shelters to keep all the animals. Within a few hours all were placed at a trio of shelters — Lindsay Veterinarian Hospital, Grasslands Veterinary Service and the Bella Foundation in Oklahoma City.
Officials have said Scyrkels claims her home was an animal rescue facility. Those same authorities add it did not have the proper licensing or certification.
She was charged with Animal Cruelty in 2012 after authorities found dozens of animals on her proeprty that were starving. One horse had died from neglect and was just lying there rotting away. Scyrkels told authorities at the time that she knew the horse had died and had simply left it there where it had collapsed.
(Pauls Valley Daily Democrat - July 31, 2016)
Earlier:
Claiming to be an animal shelter, both Heather Shawna Scrykels, 43, and her daughter, Helena Gabrielle Scyrkels, 20, have received felony charges of cruelty to animals.
 |
| Scyrkels' 2012 animal cruelty arrest photo |
A total of 111 cats, dogs and other animals were confiscated back on July 14 at their Lindsay residence in the 900 block of Choctaw.
Authorities say one of the dogs has been euthanized from an infection, while the remaining animals are still being cared for at three different shelters.
An affidavit filed in Garvin County District Court does offer a few more details about the case.
When officials with the county sheriff’s office and Lindsay police took the animals into custody they report finding 30 cats in the house and another 20 kept in a backyard pen.
Five dogs were found in small cages inside the house, while five more were in a backyard pen. Also found were some rabbits and a few other animals, such as a hedgehog, kinkajou and ferrets.
According to the report, there were several cats suffering from a respiratory condition with others unable to open their eyes. Ringworm was also a condition reported for many of the animals.
“The animals were deprived of necessary food, drink, shelter or veterinary care,” officials reported.
“The home was extremely dirty, disorderly and unkempt. The strong odor of urine and feces made it difficult to breathe easy.”
The case actually began back on July 11 when the sheriff’s office was contacted by an Erin Springs resident south of Lindsay. It included hearing talk of missing animals in the area.
That ultimately led to the tip of a lot of animals being held at a house in Lindsay.
Two nights later officers were allowed to walk through and check out the conditions of Scyrkels’ house.
The following day all the animals were seized as authorities went to work trying to find shelters to keep all the animals. Within a few hours all were placed at a trio of shelters — Lindsay Veterinarian Hospital, Grasslands Veterinary Service and the Bella Foundation in Oklahoma City.
Officials have said Scyrkels claims her home was an animal rescue facility. Those same authorities add it did not have the proper licensing or certification.
She was charged with Animal Cruelty in 2012 after authorities found dozens of animals on her proeprty that were starving. One horse had died from neglect and was just lying there rotting away. Scyrkels told authorities at the time that she knew the horse had died and had simply left it there where it had collapsed.
 |
| The animals she starved BACK IN 2012! |
(Pauls Valley Daily Democrat - July 31, 2016)
Earlier:
- Oklahoma: Heather Scyrkels Accused Of Animal Cruelty After Horse Found Dead
- Oklahoma: Arrest warrant issued for Heather Scyrkels after her horse found dead, over 20 others in poor condition
- Oklahoma: Woman Heather Scyrkels Accused In Grady County Animal Cruelty Case Turns Self In
- Oklahoma: Heather Scyrkels, who was charged with animal cruelty in 2012, found with more than 100 animals
- Oklahoma: Accused animal hoarder Heather Scyrkels talks to FOX 25: 'What else are we supposed to do?'
- Oklahoma: Case against Heather Shawn Scyrkels, 43, and her daughter Helena Scyrkels moves forward
Connecticut: Summer Parkman, 32, abandoned dog to die locked inside crate say police
CONNECTICUT -- A city woman has been charged with animal cruelty after her dog was found left alone for an extended period of time in its crate full of feces and with no water, police said.
Summer Parkman, 32, turned herself in this week after Animal Control officer Michael Franzetti seized the abandoned dog in January from her Taff Avenue apartment, police said.
According to Parkman’s arrest affidavit, the tan female bulldog mix named Baby was found covered in feces with some dry food in its crate and no water.
Franzetti posted a notice on the apartment door saying he seized the dog and talked to a downstairs neighbor who said she hadn’t seen Parkman for three weeks, according to the affidavit. The dog was taken to to Rippowam Animal Hospital for treatment.
Franzetti called Parkman, 32, who said she was in Philadelphia and agreed to be interviewed four days later, but never showed up, according to the affidavit.
Parkman, a single mother who is a bartender at a New York club, complained a few weeks later when she was reached that her landlord should not have entered her apartment without her permission, the affidavit said.
“How about you guys at the Stamford Police Department do something about that?” she remarked about her landlord. “You asked for the dog to be signed over, so fine keep the dog but I am seeking council for breaking and entering of my home that my landlord did,” Parkman said, according to the arrest affidavit.
She's more concerned about her landlord going into the apartment than the dog slowly dying locked inside a crate. Nice.
Parkman said Friday she hired a dog watcher in January but the person didn’t do their job when she was away, the affidavit said.
Parkman was released after signing a promise to appear at court.
(Norwalk Advocate - Jul 29, 2016)
Summer Parkman, 32, turned herself in this week after Animal Control officer Michael Franzetti seized the abandoned dog in January from her Taff Avenue apartment, police said.
According to Parkman’s arrest affidavit, the tan female bulldog mix named Baby was found covered in feces with some dry food in its crate and no water.
Franzetti posted a notice on the apartment door saying he seized the dog and talked to a downstairs neighbor who said she hadn’t seen Parkman for three weeks, according to the affidavit. The dog was taken to to Rippowam Animal Hospital for treatment.
Franzetti called Parkman, 32, who said she was in Philadelphia and agreed to be interviewed four days later, but never showed up, according to the affidavit.
Parkman, a single mother who is a bartender at a New York club, complained a few weeks later when she was reached that her landlord should not have entered her apartment without her permission, the affidavit said.
“How about you guys at the Stamford Police Department do something about that?” she remarked about her landlord. “You asked for the dog to be signed over, so fine keep the dog but I am seeking council for breaking and entering of my home that my landlord did,” Parkman said, according to the arrest affidavit.
She's more concerned about her landlord going into the apartment than the dog slowly dying locked inside a crate. Nice.
Parkman said Friday she hired a dog watcher in January but the person didn’t do their job when she was away, the affidavit said.
Parkman was released after signing a promise to appear at court.
(Norwalk Advocate - Jul 29, 2016)
Colorado: Family upset over plea deal in deadly dog attack case; now have to live next to killer dogs
COLORADO -- Richard Busse and his family were devastated when they lost their family dog after it was attacked by their neighbor's dogs last December.
Their neighbor was charged with unlawful ownership of dangerous dogs after the incident, and the dogs involved in the brutal attack were taken away. But now a plea deal is going to allow the neighbor to keep both dogs.
Months later, the loss of their Shiba Inu, named Kia, still hurts.
Busse recounted the horrible day to 11 News' Danielle Kreutter.
"I heard a knock at the door, a frantic knock at the door...there was an elderly man...he said, 'There are two big dogs in your backyard killing a little one!' He's like, 'They're killing it!' Then I heard the noise."
Busse raced outside.
"I saw these two huge dogs [inside my OWN FENCED YARD] I recognize from my other neighbor. Running around my dog as he lays down on the ground. ... I pick up my dog and carry him over to the patio to check out his injuries. He's bleeding profusely, although he's still kind conscious and stumbling around. He's obviously in pain."
The Busses rushed Kia to Powers Pet Emergency, where a veterinarian report said Kia died following injuries consistent with "dog attack wounds, hypovolemic shock and blood loss."
"He just couldn't hang on anymore and he ended up passing away," Busse said.
The family was beside themselves with grief.
"He was a family member to us. He went everywhere with us. We took him on walks; we put him through training. We were just devastated. We cried for a whole week," Busse said.
But the night before the trial, the Busse family got a call from the district attorney's office.
"[The office said] 'Hey there's no need for you to show up tomorrow. The DA has offered a plea deal for the defendant, and the defendant has accepted,'" Busse said.
The plea deal would allow the neighbor to keep both of the dogs that attacked Kia.
"What really frustrates us is that we weren't consulted. ... They killed another dog. They're dangerous; we expected one of them to be euthanized. That's what I know we thought would be good for justice," Busse told Kreutter.
As part of the sentencing, the neighbor is under a 12-month unsupervised probation. He has to build an enclosure for the dogs and is not allowed to own or possess any dogs other than the two involved in the attack. He will also be subject to random inspections from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
11 News found the hole in the fence, and it has been boarded up -- but there are several weak posts separating the two yards.
Since Kia's death, the Busses have gotten a new dog and are scared to hear that the dogs that killed their last pet may be moving back in.
"They have killed once, they could kill again. What if it is a small child? What if it's someone else's dog? What if it's our dog again?" Busse asked.
11 News has reached out to the DA's office for a comment on that plea deal and are waiting to hear back.
Yeah good luck. They'll never call you back.
(KKTV 11 News - Jul 27, 2016)
Their neighbor was charged with unlawful ownership of dangerous dogs after the incident, and the dogs involved in the brutal attack were taken away. But now a plea deal is going to allow the neighbor to keep both dogs.
Months later, the loss of their Shiba Inu, named Kia, still hurts.
Busse recounted the horrible day to 11 News' Danielle Kreutter.
"I heard a knock at the door, a frantic knock at the door...there was an elderly man...he said, 'There are two big dogs in your backyard killing a little one!' He's like, 'They're killing it!' Then I heard the noise."
Busse raced outside.
"I saw these two huge dogs [inside my OWN FENCED YARD] I recognize from my other neighbor. Running around my dog as he lays down on the ground. ... I pick up my dog and carry him over to the patio to check out his injuries. He's bleeding profusely, although he's still kind conscious and stumbling around. He's obviously in pain."
 |
| This photo was taken just after Kia had been viciously attacked by the neighbor's two dogs who invaded her yard. Kia could not be saved and died from the horrific injuries. |
The Busses rushed Kia to Powers Pet Emergency, where a veterinarian report said Kia died following injuries consistent with "dog attack wounds, hypovolemic shock and blood loss."
"He just couldn't hang on anymore and he ended up passing away," Busse said.
The family was beside themselves with grief.
"He was a family member to us. He went everywhere with us. We took him on walks; we put him through training. We were just devastated. We cried for a whole week," Busse said.
 |
| You can see Kia's blood trail as she tried to get inside the house after being mortally wounded by the neighbor's two vicious dogs |
The dogs involved in the attack -- an Alaskan Malamute and a Golden Retriever / Siberian Husky mix -- had gotten in the Busses' yard by breaking a hole in the fence, the family later learned. They were removed from their owner pending the outcome of a trial, which was scheduled for this week.
But the night before the trial, the Busse family got a call from the district attorney's office.
"[The office said] 'Hey there's no need for you to show up tomorrow. The DA has offered a plea deal for the defendant, and the defendant has accepted,'" Busse said.
The plea deal would allow the neighbor to keep both of the dogs that attacked Kia.
"What really frustrates us is that we weren't consulted. ... They killed another dog. They're dangerous; we expected one of them to be euthanized. That's what I know we thought would be good for justice," Busse told Kreutter.
As part of the sentencing, the neighbor is under a 12-month unsupervised probation. He has to build an enclosure for the dogs and is not allowed to own or possess any dogs other than the two involved in the attack. He will also be subject to random inspections from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
11 News found the hole in the fence, and it has been boarded up -- but there are several weak posts separating the two yards.
Kreutter also tried talking to the neighbor Wednesday, but when she knocked on their door, no one answered. A dog could be heard barking inside the house.
Since Kia's death, the Busses have gotten a new dog and are scared to hear that the dogs that killed their last pet may be moving back in.
"They have killed once, they could kill again. What if it is a small child? What if it's someone else's dog? What if it's our dog again?" Busse asked.
11 News has reached out to the DA's office for a comment on that plea deal and are waiting to hear back.
Yeah good luck. They'll never call you back.
 |
| RIP poor Kia |
(KKTV 11 News - Jul 27, 2016)
United Kingdom: Families heard 'horrendous screams' as girl was attacked by American Bulldog; police arrive and shoot the dog
UNITED KINGDOM -- Families have told how they heard “horrendous screams” as a 14 year old girl was mauled by a dog on their estate.
Neighbours in Millbrook, High Heworth, Gateshead, reported hearing the screams before a string of police cars arrived at the scene at around 5pm on Saturday.
The incident happened in the garden of a house where an American Bulldog attacked a 14-year-old girl, causing her to suffer a serious arm injury. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
It is understood the girl did not live at the property and was not related to the resident who owned the dog.
Officers say they tried to control the animal, however it was in a highly agitated state and they had to shoot it to ensure public safety.
A mum-of-three, who lives nearby, said: “We can’t quite believed what has happened. We are still in shock. I was out when the incident took place but when I came home, there were all these police cars here and the road was blocked.
“We later found out that a young lass was bitten by a dog and the pet had to be shot. It’s absolutely awful. Nobody really knows what happened but I feel sad both for the girl and for the dog. Who knows what caused the animal to act in such a way?
“I just hope the girl gets better soon. I am a mother myself and I can imagine what her family must be going through.”
A man, also of Millbrook, added: “At around 5pm, I just heard horrendous screams, like someone was getting hurt. Minutes later, around 14 police cars showed up and they blocked up the traffic on both sides of the road.
“We didn’t know what had happened and only found out later that a dog had been involved. I’ve been living here for many years and I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Police have said it was a last resort to shoot the pet.
Chief Inspector Dave Gould said: “Our thoughts are with this young girl who has endured a horrific attack by a dog that was highly agitated and a danger to other people. At the moment we don’t know the full extent of her injuries, however we do believe they are incredibly serious and we hope she is ok.
“Officers at the scene spent more than an hour attempting to bring the dog safely under control but unfortunately, despite best efforts, it continued to remain highly agitated and posed a real danger.
“We did not want to have to destroy the animal but our main concern has to be public safety, we already had one young girl who had been seriously injured and we had to do what we could to prevent anyone else from coming to harm.
“I cannot stress enough how much of a last resort this was for us and a number of options were considered including the use of specialist officers. We know local residents will be concerned and will have extra officers in the area to speak with residents and offer them reassurance.”
Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who was in the area at the time is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 895 300716 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
(Chronicle Live UK - July 31, 2016)
Neighbours in Millbrook, High Heworth, Gateshead, reported hearing the screams before a string of police cars arrived at the scene at around 5pm on Saturday.
The incident happened in the garden of a house where an American Bulldog attacked a 14-year-old girl, causing her to suffer a serious arm injury. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
It is understood the girl did not live at the property and was not related to the resident who owned the dog.
Officers say they tried to control the animal, however it was in a highly agitated state and they had to shoot it to ensure public safety.
A mum-of-three, who lives nearby, said: “We can’t quite believed what has happened. We are still in shock. I was out when the incident took place but when I came home, there were all these police cars here and the road was blocked.
“We later found out that a young lass was bitten by a dog and the pet had to be shot. It’s absolutely awful. Nobody really knows what happened but I feel sad both for the girl and for the dog. Who knows what caused the animal to act in such a way?
“I just hope the girl gets better soon. I am a mother myself and I can imagine what her family must be going through.”
A man, also of Millbrook, added: “At around 5pm, I just heard horrendous screams, like someone was getting hurt. Minutes later, around 14 police cars showed up and they blocked up the traffic on both sides of the road.
“We didn’t know what had happened and only found out later that a dog had been involved. I’ve been living here for many years and I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Police have said it was a last resort to shoot the pet.
Chief Inspector Dave Gould said: “Our thoughts are with this young girl who has endured a horrific attack by a dog that was highly agitated and a danger to other people. At the moment we don’t know the full extent of her injuries, however we do believe they are incredibly serious and we hope she is ok.
“Officers at the scene spent more than an hour attempting to bring the dog safely under control but unfortunately, despite best efforts, it continued to remain highly agitated and posed a real danger.
“We did not want to have to destroy the animal but our main concern has to be public safety, we already had one young girl who had been seriously injured and we had to do what we could to prevent anyone else from coming to harm.
“I cannot stress enough how much of a last resort this was for us and a number of options were considered including the use of specialist officers. We know local residents will be concerned and will have extra officers in the area to speak with residents and offer them reassurance.”
Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who was in the area at the time is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 895 300716 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
(Chronicle Live UK - July 31, 2016)
North Carolina: Raeford man hurt defending pregnant woman from Rottweiler attack
NORTH CAROLINA -- A Raeford man is recovering and a pregnant woman was in tears after they said a neighbor's dog attacked them.
Lashonda Williamson was outside in her front yard with her friend planning a birthday party for her soon-to-be 10-year-old, when the neighbor's Rottweiler attacked her and her friend.
Her friend Adrian Gay said the dog was lunging for Williamson, and when he jumped in front of her to protect her, he was bitten in the back of his thigh and on several places in his arm.
Williamson said the incident has left her afraid to go out in her own yard.
"I have never in my life been so scared," Williamson said, breaking into tears. "I have never in my entire life been so scared of anything.
"And the funny thing is, I have a Rottweiler. I'm not afraid of big dogs. I'm not afraid of animals, but I knew that dog was going to attack because I knew how it was charging, it was growling, teeth were showing, I knew something was going to happen and I just thought about my baby.
"That's all I could think about, is my baby," Williamson said, wiping away tears.
Gay said that's also the first thing he thought about when he jumped in front of Williamson.
"I did what I could to protect her, because I didn't want to run away. My first instinct was to protect her and the baby because the safety is what matters most," Gay said.
Gay said he was hospitalized for his injuries and has stitches in several places on his arm.
Williamson said her neighbor's Rottweiler is still living next door.
Hoke County Animal Control said the dog is on a 10-day quarantine and would not release a copy of their report as the case is still under investigation.
(WTVD-TV - Jul 29, 2016)
Lashonda Williamson was outside in her front yard with her friend planning a birthday party for her soon-to-be 10-year-old, when the neighbor's Rottweiler attacked her and her friend.
Her friend Adrian Gay said the dog was lunging for Williamson, and when he jumped in front of her to protect her, he was bitten in the back of his thigh and on several places in his arm.
Williamson said the incident has left her afraid to go out in her own yard.
"I have never in my life been so scared," Williamson said, breaking into tears. "I have never in my entire life been so scared of anything.
"And the funny thing is, I have a Rottweiler. I'm not afraid of big dogs. I'm not afraid of animals, but I knew that dog was going to attack because I knew how it was charging, it was growling, teeth were showing, I knew something was going to happen and I just thought about my baby.
"That's all I could think about, is my baby," Williamson said, wiping away tears.
Gay said that's also the first thing he thought about when he jumped in front of Williamson.
"I did what I could to protect her, because I didn't want to run away. My first instinct was to protect her and the baby because the safety is what matters most," Gay said.
Gay said he was hospitalized for his injuries and has stitches in several places on his arm.
Williamson said her neighbor's Rottweiler is still living next door.
Hoke County Animal Control said the dog is on a 10-day quarantine and would not release a copy of their report as the case is still under investigation.
(WTVD-TV - Jul 29, 2016)
Florida: Markell Sawyer, 19, didn't just burglarize a home, police say. He also is accused of using scissors to stab the family's Yorkie while there.
FLORIDA -- A suspect believed to be at the center of a home intrusion and animal cruelty case has been arrested, according to police.
The Palm Bay Police Department arrested Markell Brent Sawyer in connection with the July 24 attack on a 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Jasper.
During the burglary, police say the dog was stabbed with scissors and left for dead.
Barbara Riha went to check on her neighbor's 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Jasper, Sunday morning. The dog-sitter was shocked at what she saw.
"I found his collar out in the road, and I knew something was wrong," Riha said.
Police said the dog had been stabbed with scissors, was bleeding internally and suffered spleen and gall-bladder damage.
Smashed glass was found all over the home, the front door and back porch. Police said the floors were coated with soap, drawers were open and that a TV and phone were stolen.
Riha called 911, along with the home and dog's owner, John Kilderry. After police responded, she took Jasper to an animal hospital.
Kilderry flew home from Boston, where he was with family.
"I didn't know if he was going to live, die or what," Kilderry said of his dog. "It was emotionally draining."
The surgery was successful, and Jasper is expected to be fine. But the experience has angered everyone, including law enforcement.
"We take all crime serious," said Lt. Mike Bandish during a statement, "but this was very shocking."
Property from the home was reportedly found in Sawyer's possession after Palm Bay's Juvenile Task Force did a juvenile check.
Sawyer, 19, was charged with armed burglary of a dwelling and felony cruelty to animals.
He is being held at the Brevard County Jail without bond.
ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Markell Brent Sawyer
Date of arrest: 07/30/2016
Time: 2:01 AM
Arresting Agency: Palm Bay Police Department
Total Bond: $13,000
Personal Information
Arrest Age: 19
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 03/24/1997
Address Block: 300 Vin Rose Cir SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909
Height: 6'02"
Weight: 175 lbs
Charges:
(MyNews13 - July 30, 2016)
The Palm Bay Police Department arrested Markell Brent Sawyer in connection with the July 24 attack on a 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Jasper.
During the burglary, police say the dog was stabbed with scissors and left for dead.
Barbara Riha went to check on her neighbor's 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Jasper, Sunday morning. The dog-sitter was shocked at what she saw.
"I found his collar out in the road, and I knew something was wrong," Riha said.
Police said the dog had been stabbed with scissors, was bleeding internally and suffered spleen and gall-bladder damage.
Smashed glass was found all over the home, the front door and back porch. Police said the floors were coated with soap, drawers were open and that a TV and phone were stolen.
Riha called 911, along with the home and dog's owner, John Kilderry. After police responded, she took Jasper to an animal hospital.
Kilderry flew home from Boston, where he was with family.
"I didn't know if he was going to live, die or what," Kilderry said of his dog. "It was emotionally draining."
The surgery was successful, and Jasper is expected to be fine. But the experience has angered everyone, including law enforcement.
"We take all crime serious," said Lt. Mike Bandish during a statement, "but this was very shocking."
Property from the home was reportedly found in Sawyer's possession after Palm Bay's Juvenile Task Force did a juvenile check.
Sawyer, 19, was charged with armed burglary of a dwelling and felony cruelty to animals.
He is being held at the Brevard County Jail without bond.
ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Markell Brent Sawyer
Date of arrest: 07/30/2016
Time: 2:01 AM
Arresting Agency: Palm Bay Police Department
Total Bond: $13,000
Personal Information
Arrest Age: 19
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 03/24/1997
Address Block: 300 Vin Rose Cir SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909
Height: 6'02"
Weight: 175 lbs
Charges:
- #1 Armed Burgl Dwell/Struct - Robbery
- #2 Grand Theft from Bldg >300 <5K. BOND: $2000
- #3 Criminal Mischief <$200. BOND: $2000
- #4 Animal Cruelty-Felony-Cause Cruel Death Pain & Suffering. BOND: $2000
- #5 Dealing in Stolen Property. BOND: $5000
- #6 Grand Theft Mtr Veh. BOND: $2000
(MyNews13 - July 30, 2016)
Iowa: Police say vet employee Lucas Van Orden viciously beat and kicked Corgi
IOWA -- An Iowa City veterinary clinic employee is accused of injuring a dog while it was at the clinic for grooming
Iowa City Police said the incident happened on July 9 around 10:30 a.m. at the Creature Comfort Vet Center on Act Circle in Iowa City.
Authorities charged Lucas Van Orden V after a dog suffered multiple fractured ribs, bruised lungs, and subcutaneous emphysema.
Following the injuries, the dog was taken to a pet emergency room, where it stayed for several nights for observation.
Police said Van Orden admitted that he kicked the dog during the grooming process, which was ultimately the cause of the injuries to the dog.
Van Orden is the son of the practice manager, Lucas Van Orden IV.
Van Orden IV released a statement on the incident (involving his son), saying, "The owners and management of Creature Comfort Veterinary Center are aware of an animal injury during grooming, and subsequent citation for animal neglect issued by the City of Iowa City against the groomer.
"Any animal injury is of paramount concern, and is not tolerated in any respect. Immediately upon learning of this incident, the groomer was discharged from his employment."
(KCCI - July 30, 2016)
Iowa City Police said the incident happened on July 9 around 10:30 a.m. at the Creature Comfort Vet Center on Act Circle in Iowa City.
Authorities charged Lucas Van Orden V after a dog suffered multiple fractured ribs, bruised lungs, and subcutaneous emphysema.
Following the injuries, the dog was taken to a pet emergency room, where it stayed for several nights for observation.
Police said Van Orden admitted that he kicked the dog during the grooming process, which was ultimately the cause of the injuries to the dog.
Van Orden is the son of the practice manager, Lucas Van Orden IV.
Van Orden IV released a statement on the incident (involving his son), saying, "The owners and management of Creature Comfort Veterinary Center are aware of an animal injury during grooming, and subsequent citation for animal neglect issued by the City of Iowa City against the groomer.
"Any animal injury is of paramount concern, and is not tolerated in any respect. Immediately upon learning of this incident, the groomer was discharged from his employment."
(KCCI - July 30, 2016)
Florida: Adrian Andre Morales-Corrales, 19, caught digging into a turtle nest on the beach to steal eggs
FLORIDA -- A Cape Coral man is accused of stealing a turtle egg this week from a sea turtle nest on Sanibel.
Adrian Andre Morales-Corrales, 19, of 2111 N.E. 24th Terrace, was arrested and charged Wednesday with conservation animals possess 11 or fewer marine turtle eggs, according to booking records.
As of Thursday, he remained in custody at the Lee County Jail on no bond.
At about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sanibel police were in the area of Bowman's Beach near Silver Key when a man was observed on his hands and knees over a sea turtle nest. A police report states that the man, later identified as Morales-Corrales, saw police drawing closer and walked toward the officer.
When the officer stopped next to him, Morales-Corrales asked if it was OK to dig in a turtle nest. The officer told Morales-Corrales that it was not OK and asked if he had been digging in the turtle nest.
Morales-Corrales reportedly stated that he had only taken one egg.
He then opened the front pocket of a backpack that he was carrying and removed one egg from it, according to the report. Morales-Corrales was taken into custody for possession of a turtle egg.
The officer noted that the nest was marked with yellow tape and stakes with warning signs.
Photographs were taken of the egg and the disturbed nest before the egg was reburied.
Morales-Corrales was transported to the Sanibel Police Department, where he provided a statement.
He was then moved to the Lee County Jail, where he was booked on the misdemeanor count.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were notified. The police report was forwarded to federal prosecutors for violation of two U.S. codes.
The report states that officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later advised the Sanibel Police Department that the case would remain at the local level and that federal charges would not be sought.
Morales-Corrales has a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 9.
Full Name: Adrian Andre Morales-corrales
Date of arrest: 07/20/2016
Time: 7:00 PM
Arresting Agency: SPD (Lee County)
Personal Information
Arrest Age:19
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 01/06/1997
Address: 2100 NE 24th Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33909
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 145 lbs
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Charges
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS (POSSESS 11 OR FEWER MARINE TURTLE EGGS 1ST OFF)
(Cape Coral Daily Breeze - July 21, 2016)
Adrian Andre Morales-Corrales, 19, of 2111 N.E. 24th Terrace, was arrested and charged Wednesday with conservation animals possess 11 or fewer marine turtle eggs, according to booking records.
As of Thursday, he remained in custody at the Lee County Jail on no bond.
At about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sanibel police were in the area of Bowman's Beach near Silver Key when a man was observed on his hands and knees over a sea turtle nest. A police report states that the man, later identified as Morales-Corrales, saw police drawing closer and walked toward the officer.
When the officer stopped next to him, Morales-Corrales asked if it was OK to dig in a turtle nest. The officer told Morales-Corrales that it was not OK and asked if he had been digging in the turtle nest.
Morales-Corrales reportedly stated that he had only taken one egg.
He then opened the front pocket of a backpack that he was carrying and removed one egg from it, according to the report. Morales-Corrales was taken into custody for possession of a turtle egg.
The officer noted that the nest was marked with yellow tape and stakes with warning signs.
Photographs were taken of the egg and the disturbed nest before the egg was reburied.
Morales-Corrales was transported to the Sanibel Police Department, where he provided a statement.
He was then moved to the Lee County Jail, where he was booked on the misdemeanor count.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were notified. The police report was forwarded to federal prosecutors for violation of two U.S. codes.
The report states that officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later advised the Sanibel Police Department that the case would remain at the local level and that federal charges would not be sought.
Morales-Corrales has a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 9.
Full Name: Adrian Andre Morales-corrales
Date of arrest: 07/20/2016
Time: 7:00 PM
Arresting Agency: SPD (Lee County)
Personal Information
Arrest Age:19
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 01/06/1997
Address: 2100 NE 24th Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33909
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 145 lbs
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Charges
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS (POSSESS 11 OR FEWER MARINE TURTLE EGGS 1ST OFF)
(Cape Coral Daily Breeze - July 21, 2016)
Georgia: Matthew Edmondson, 18, arrested after posting on Snapchat videos of him torturing and killing rabbits
GEORGIA -- Two Catoosa County teens were arrested for animal cruelty after videos of them mercilessly killing rabbits showed up on Snapchat.
According to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department:
Matthew Allen Edmondson, 18, of Spring Meadows Drive in Ringgold, was arrested July 22 on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime. He was released on bond two days later on July 24.
The identity of the second teen, who was arrested on the same charges, hasn’t been released publicly because he’s a juvenile under 16 years of age.
The investigation began around 8:15 p.m. on July 11 when a woman in Rossville called the Sheriff’s Department claiming her daughter had witnessed Snapchat videos of two teens torturing and killing rabbits live on the social media site.
According to witnesses, the boys were allegedly “laughing as they were cutting a live rabbit’s throat, stomping the head of a live rabbit, and taking a ball bat and hitting a rabbit,” reports show.
According to deputy Elliot Welch, the boys also demanded money in the videos.
“The suspects told the girl that they would continue to kill the rabbits unless people bought them for $15 each,” Welch said.
A male friend of the woman who notified police contacted the teens and tried to set up a meet to buy the rabbits, with deputies waiting to confront them, but the suspects didn’t show up for the meet at the Food Lion in Ringgold.
An hour or so before the incident, another lady attempted to file a similar complaint in Ringgold.
Deputies met with the concerned resident at Ringgold City Hall after she claimed to have seen the same videos on Snapchat involving two boys killing rabbits.
Detectives were able to determine that videos of the boys committing the acts appeared on Snapchat from around 4 p.m. to about 6:40 p.m. that day.
Ultimately, on July 21, Cpl. Jake Hollis, detective Jason Sullivan, and deputy Brittany Gilleland were able to serve warrants on the two boys at the younger boy’s residence.
Edmondson was arrested and taken to the Catoosa County jail, while the other boy was taken into custody to a juvenile detention in Dalton, Ga.
At the residence, detectives found 11 more rabbits alive in cages, reports show.
The case and charges were explained to the younger boy’s mother and she agreed to turn the animals over to Catoosa County Animal Control.
According to Hollis, Catoosa County Animal Control is expected to turn the rabbits over to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, planned to then place them with a rabbit rescue team out of Cartersville, Ga.
Full Name: Matthew Alle Edmondson
Date of arrest: 07/22/2016
Time: 11:32 AM
Personal Information
Arrest Age:18
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 01/29/1998
Block: Spring Meadows Dr
City: Ringgold, Georgia 30736
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 175 lbs
Charges
(Northwest Georgia News - July 28, 2016)
According to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department:
Matthew Allen Edmondson, 18, of Spring Meadows Drive in Ringgold, was arrested July 22 on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime. He was released on bond two days later on July 24.
The identity of the second teen, who was arrested on the same charges, hasn’t been released publicly because he’s a juvenile under 16 years of age.
The investigation began around 8:15 p.m. on July 11 when a woman in Rossville called the Sheriff’s Department claiming her daughter had witnessed Snapchat videos of two teens torturing and killing rabbits live on the social media site.
According to witnesses, the boys were allegedly “laughing as they were cutting a live rabbit’s throat, stomping the head of a live rabbit, and taking a ball bat and hitting a rabbit,” reports show.
According to deputy Elliot Welch, the boys also demanded money in the videos.
“The suspects told the girl that they would continue to kill the rabbits unless people bought them for $15 each,” Welch said.
A male friend of the woman who notified police contacted the teens and tried to set up a meet to buy the rabbits, with deputies waiting to confront them, but the suspects didn’t show up for the meet at the Food Lion in Ringgold.
An hour or so before the incident, another lady attempted to file a similar complaint in Ringgold.
Deputies met with the concerned resident at Ringgold City Hall after she claimed to have seen the same videos on Snapchat involving two boys killing rabbits.
Detectives were able to determine that videos of the boys committing the acts appeared on Snapchat from around 4 p.m. to about 6:40 p.m. that day.
Ultimately, on July 21, Cpl. Jake Hollis, detective Jason Sullivan, and deputy Brittany Gilleland were able to serve warrants on the two boys at the younger boy’s residence.
Edmondson was arrested and taken to the Catoosa County jail, while the other boy was taken into custody to a juvenile detention in Dalton, Ga.
At the residence, detectives found 11 more rabbits alive in cages, reports show.
The case and charges were explained to the younger boy’s mother and she agreed to turn the animals over to Catoosa County Animal Control.
According to Hollis, Catoosa County Animal Control is expected to turn the rabbits over to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, planned to then place them with a rabbit rescue team out of Cartersville, Ga.
Full Name: Matthew Alle Edmondson
Date of arrest: 07/22/2016
Time: 11:32 AM
Personal Information
Arrest Age:18
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 01/29/1998
Block: Spring Meadows Dr
City: Ringgold, Georgia 30736
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 175 lbs
Charges
- #1 CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT A CRIME. STATUTE: 16-4-8 ( Felony)
- #2 CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT A CRIME. STATUTE: 16-4-8 ( Felony)
- #3 AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. STATUTE: 16-12-4 ( Felony)
- #4 AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. STATUTE: 16-12-4 ( Felony)
The FBI has, for decades, recognized that animal abuse is a gateway crime to other serious crimes such as rape and murder. This is why animal lovers are up in arms about these "boys" did REPEATEDLY for fun. To derive pleasure from the suffering and pain of others, even small animals, is sociopathic behavior.  Child Killer: Brenda Spencer is notorious for shooting a gun into a crowd of children. Eleven children were hit by her bullets with two dying. When she was a child, Spencer lit the tails of cats and dogs, which she found in the neighborhood, on fire  Child Killer: Ian Brady boasted that he killed his first cat aged just ten. As a child, he tortured and killed animals, stoning dogs and cutting the heads off rabbits. He burnt a cat alive. He later killed five children. |
(Northwest Georgia News - July 28, 2016)
Iowa: Family seeking answers after someone tied their dog's legs, put him inside a bag and threw him into a river to drown
IOWA -- A Linn County family wants answers after someone found their dog Bella dead in a bag near a river.
Ashley Ray says her dog may have somehow slipped out of her house earlier this week. Her family posted in Facebook groups, put up fliers and called local animal shelters searching for Bella. She says they searched throughout the night Monday.
On Tuesday, she received a call from the Cedar Valley Humane Society asking her to come identify her dog.
"We went there, they took us in the back and my mom pulled the blanket off of Bella and she was still soft, and she was so wet, and she was so cold," Ray said.
A man who says he found Bella contacted KCRG-TV9. He says he wishes to remain anonymous, but says he found the dog near a creek off of Mt. Vernon Road.
Ray says her dog Bella was a companion and a beloved member of her family, and she says she doesn't understand how anyone could do that to an animal.
"It's disgusting. I don't know how anybody could take a poor, innocent, tiny dog that's not even seven pounds, tie their feet together, while they're screaming and crying and yelping for help, put them in a bag, take them and throw them in a river where they know that they are not going to be able to fight for their own life," Ray said.
She says her daughter shared a special bond with the dog.
"When she's old enough, I'm gonna tell her she needs to know there are people like this out there," Ray said.
She says she hopes authorities are able to find the people who did it.
"I don't think it would make me feel better, because it's not going to bring Bella back, but I feel like Bella needs justice," Ray said.
The Linn County Sheriff's Office says it is investigating how the dog ended up in the bag.
(KCCI - July 28, 2016)
Ashley Ray says her dog may have somehow slipped out of her house earlier this week. Her family posted in Facebook groups, put up fliers and called local animal shelters searching for Bella. She says they searched throughout the night Monday.
On Tuesday, she received a call from the Cedar Valley Humane Society asking her to come identify her dog.
"We went there, they took us in the back and my mom pulled the blanket off of Bella and she was still soft, and she was so wet, and she was so cold," Ray said.
A man who says he found Bella contacted KCRG-TV9. He says he wishes to remain anonymous, but says he found the dog near a creek off of Mt. Vernon Road.
Ray says her dog Bella was a companion and a beloved member of her family, and she says she doesn't understand how anyone could do that to an animal.
"It's disgusting. I don't know how anybody could take a poor, innocent, tiny dog that's not even seven pounds, tie their feet together, while they're screaming and crying and yelping for help, put them in a bag, take them and throw them in a river where they know that they are not going to be able to fight for their own life," Ray said.
She says her daughter shared a special bond with the dog.
"When she's old enough, I'm gonna tell her she needs to know there are people like this out there," Ray said.
She says she hopes authorities are able to find the people who did it.
"I don't think it would make me feel better, because it's not going to bring Bella back, but I feel like Bella needs justice," Ray said.
The Linn County Sheriff's Office says it is investigating how the dog ended up in the bag.
(KCCI - July 28, 2016)
Saturday, July 30, 2016
New York: Accused horse killer Robert Webster Jr., 43, found mentally competent for trial
NEW YORK -- The Verona man accused of shooting and killing a horse in Kirkland has been ruled stable enough to stand trial.
Robert R. Webster Jr., 43, has been undergoing psychological treatment since April, when he was determined to be mentally unfit to face the charges against him. But Webster returned to County Court on Thursday after doctors gave him a clean bill of mental health.
According to court officials, both the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defenders Office accepted the doctors’ findings and have agreed to proceed with the case.
Webster pleaded not guilty before Judge Michael L. Dwyer Thursday on one count each of injuring a domestic animal and second-degree mischief, court officials said.
Authorities said on Dec. 29, Webster shot and killed a privately-owned show horse at a farm on Kirkland Avenue in Kirkland.
Webster is also facing a myriad of other charges for a series of accused crimes in both Oneida and Madison counties.
Authorities said Webster is accused of breaking into Ottaviano Medical Building in Oneida on Aug. 30; setting fire to his father’s house in Verona Beach on Nov. 29; as well as interrupting a church service, impersonating an FBI agent and leading law enforcers on a chase in the Verona area in March.
Court officials said Webster will return to court on Aug. 11 to determine whether or not to bundle all of his charges and accusations into one ongoing case.
(Rome Sentinel - July 29, 2016)
Earlier:
Robert R. Webster Jr., 43, has been undergoing psychological treatment since April, when he was determined to be mentally unfit to face the charges against him. But Webster returned to County Court on Thursday after doctors gave him a clean bill of mental health.
According to court officials, both the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defenders Office accepted the doctors’ findings and have agreed to proceed with the case.
Webster pleaded not guilty before Judge Michael L. Dwyer Thursday on one count each of injuring a domestic animal and second-degree mischief, court officials said.
Authorities said on Dec. 29, Webster shot and killed a privately-owned show horse at a farm on Kirkland Avenue in Kirkland.
Webster is also facing a myriad of other charges for a series of accused crimes in both Oneida and Madison counties.
Authorities said Webster is accused of breaking into Ottaviano Medical Building in Oneida on Aug. 30; setting fire to his father’s house in Verona Beach on Nov. 29; as well as interrupting a church service, impersonating an FBI agent and leading law enforcers on a chase in the Verona area in March.
Court officials said Webster will return to court on Aug. 11 to determine whether or not to bundle all of his charges and accusations into one ongoing case.
(Rome Sentinel - July 29, 2016)
Earlier:
- New York: Owner of horse shot and killed in Oneida County: 'He wasn't just a show horse, he was my life'
- New York: Durhamville man, Robert Webster Jr., 43, charged with shooting, killing horse in Kirkland
- New York: Family relieved horse-shooting suspect Robert Webster Jr., 43, in custody; felony hearing waived
Texas: Ronnie Morrison arrested, accused of burning three month-old puppy to death
TEXAS -- Palestine police arrested the first of three males involved in the case of Remi, the 3-month-old puppy lit on fire.
Officers on Monday morning apprehended Ronnie Morrison, 21, of Palestine, one of the suspects in an act of animal cruelty that burned and caused the death of a young puppy on June 20, 2016.
The remaining two male suspects involved in the animal cruelty case are Romello Smith, 21, and Andreas Hicks, 20, who are still wanted on arrest warrants issued for this case.
Detectives have previously identified Perla Miranda Fernandez, 20, Jasmine Warren, 18, and a female minor, all of Athens, Texas as additional suspects in the incident. Warrants were issued for these suspects early on in the case and all three female subjects have already been arrested.
All subjects are being charged with the offense of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, an offense punishable by up to two years confinement and a fine of up to $10,000.
According to arrest documents, Jasmine Cne Warren, 18, and a 17-year-old minor were part of a group of six people who traveled from Athens to Palestine on June 20. The first woman arrested in the case, 20-year-old Perla Miranda Fernandez, was the driver of the car.
Through interviews with the suspects, detectives determined that after arriving in the 700 block of South Street in the early morning of June 20, members of the group dared others to light the puppy on fire.
The involved parties identified both Warren and the minor as members of the group that poured lighter fluid on the puppy and then used a lighter to light the puppy on fire, according to the arrest documents.
Remi died a day later, as infections from the burns ravaged her body.
The arrest documents detail that on June 20, Warren and the minor intentionally, knowingly and recklessly in a cruel manner caused serious bodily injury to a non-livestock animal, to wit: a white female puppy, by setting the puppy on fire.
An eyewitness observed the three men, and Fernandez, Warren and the minor girl standing near a Buick passenger car in front of her residence. The witness observed the license plate number of the Buick. The witness told police the subjects were playing with the puppy.
A short time later, the witness said she heard the puppy in distress. She looked outside and saw the puppy had been set on fire, and the female subjects were looking for water.
The witness told police at that time she could no longer see the male suspects at the location. The suspects left the area in the Buick, which was being driven by Fernandez.
Officers located the puppy a short time later and noted that it had severe burns on its body.
The license plate number matched the Buick and is in Fernandez's name. The witness was shown a photographic lineup and identified Fernandez as being with the puppy when it was burned.
The case has been pursued as a “cruelty to animals” investigation, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years confinement and a fine of up to $10,000. Palestine police investigators are actively pursuing several leads. This incident is still under active investigation.
More Information
The Palestine Police Department is actively trying to locate the other wanted subjects. Any person with information in regards to the suspects, or who may know their whereabouts is encouraged to call the Palestine Police Department at 903-729-2255 or Crimestoppers at 903-729-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting PALPD plus the information to 847411.
(Palestine Herald - Jul 26, 2016)
Earlier:
Officers on Monday morning apprehended Ronnie Morrison, 21, of Palestine, one of the suspects in an act of animal cruelty that burned and caused the death of a young puppy on June 20, 2016.
The remaining two male suspects involved in the animal cruelty case are Romello Smith, 21, and Andreas Hicks, 20, who are still wanted on arrest warrants issued for this case.
Detectives have previously identified Perla Miranda Fernandez, 20, Jasmine Warren, 18, and a female minor, all of Athens, Texas as additional suspects in the incident. Warrants were issued for these suspects early on in the case and all three female subjects have already been arrested.
All subjects are being charged with the offense of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, an offense punishable by up to two years confinement and a fine of up to $10,000.
According to arrest documents, Jasmine Cne Warren, 18, and a 17-year-old minor were part of a group of six people who traveled from Athens to Palestine on June 20. The first woman arrested in the case, 20-year-old Perla Miranda Fernandez, was the driver of the car.
Through interviews with the suspects, detectives determined that after arriving in the 700 block of South Street in the early morning of June 20, members of the group dared others to light the puppy on fire.
The involved parties identified both Warren and the minor as members of the group that poured lighter fluid on the puppy and then used a lighter to light the puppy on fire, according to the arrest documents.
Remi died a day later, as infections from the burns ravaged her body.
The arrest documents detail that on June 20, Warren and the minor intentionally, knowingly and recklessly in a cruel manner caused serious bodily injury to a non-livestock animal, to wit: a white female puppy, by setting the puppy on fire.
An eyewitness observed the three men, and Fernandez, Warren and the minor girl standing near a Buick passenger car in front of her residence. The witness observed the license plate number of the Buick. The witness told police the subjects were playing with the puppy.
A short time later, the witness said she heard the puppy in distress. She looked outside and saw the puppy had been set on fire, and the female subjects were looking for water.
The witness told police at that time she could no longer see the male suspects at the location. The suspects left the area in the Buick, which was being driven by Fernandez.
Officers located the puppy a short time later and noted that it had severe burns on its body.
The license plate number matched the Buick and is in Fernandez's name. The witness was shown a photographic lineup and identified Fernandez as being with the puppy when it was burned.
The case has been pursued as a “cruelty to animals” investigation, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years confinement and a fine of up to $10,000. Palestine police investigators are actively pursuing several leads. This incident is still under active investigation.
More Information
The Palestine Police Department is actively trying to locate the other wanted subjects. Any person with information in regards to the suspects, or who may know their whereabouts is encouraged to call the Palestine Police Department at 903-729-2255 or Crimestoppers at 903-729-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting PALPD plus the information to 847411.
(Palestine Herald - Jul 26, 2016)
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