Alias: Sammie Hogan, Sam Hogan
Gender: Female
Race: White
Date of Birth: 07/12/1993
Arrest age: 23
Booking Number: 134890
Booking on: 3/30/2017
County: Alamance, North Carolina
Violation Description:
- KILL ANIMAL BY STARVATION
Friday, March 31, 2017
North Carolina: Samantha Hogan, 23, accused of starving an animal to death
Name: SAMANTHA HOGAN
Alias: Sammie Hogan, Sam Hogan
Gender: Female
Race: White
Date of Birth: 07/12/1993
Arrest age: 23
Booking Number: 134890
Booking on: 3/30/2017
County: Alamance, North Carolina
Violation Description:
Alias: Sammie Hogan, Sam Hogan
Gender: Female
Race: White
Date of Birth: 07/12/1993
Arrest age: 23
Booking Number: 134890
Booking on: 3/30/2017
County: Alamance, North Carolina
Violation Description:
Texas: Michael Martinez, 24, charged with animal cruelty
Full Name: Michael Peter Martinez
Arrest Age: 24
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 09/29/1992
Block: 4600 Carrie Ann Ln
City: Abilene, Texas 79606
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 150 lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Date:03/31/2017
Arresting Agency: 42nd District Court
Total Bond: $5000
Charges
#1 'SJF' CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
BOND: $5000
Arrest Age: 24
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 09/29/1992
Block: 4600 Carrie Ann Ln
City: Abilene, Texas 79606
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 150 lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Date:03/31/2017
Arresting Agency: 42nd District Court
Total Bond: $5000
Charges
#1 'SJF' CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
BOND: $5000
Canada: Six years after 15 of his starving horses were seized, Stephen Johnson, 58, found GUILTY of animal cruelty
CANADA -- A provincial court judge found a Prince George-area man starved his horses to the point of emaciation in finding him guilty Thursday of animal-cruelty charges in relation to a herd of thoroughbreds seized from his property six years ago.
In a lengthy decision, judge Victor Galbraith also found that even if Stephen Thomas Johnson, 58, did not initially notice their state, he failed to act when SPCA constables warned him of their condition.
In a lengthy decision, provincial court judge Victor Galbraith found the horses under the care of Stephen Thomas Johnson, 58, were underfed to the point of emaciation. Even if he did not initially notice their state, Galbraith found Johnson failed to act when warned of their condition by the SPCA constables.
In all, 15 of 22 horses on Johnson's ranch were seized on March 15, 2011 and taken to Prince George Equine Rescue, a bit more than two months after SPCA constables first visited the property.
Evidence presented during the trial showed a handful of the horses with swollen limbs, poor hooves and problem teeth. But Galbraith found there was no evidence to show the trouble had reached the level where the animals were actually lame or in distress as a consequence.
"I find that the level of care may well have fallen below what the SPCA deems appropriate, but not to such a degree that it would constitute an offence," Galbraith said.
However, Galbraith did find Crown prosecution proved the core of its case - that the horses were not being fed enough.
On that aspect, Galbraith accepted testimony from two veterinarians who performed "hands on" assessments of the animals' condition. Two of those assessments were carried out when the horses were still on Johnson's property and two afterwards.
They variously found horses in thin, poor condition with protruding ribs and vertebrae and no palpable fat. One horse in particular would have had trouble performing everyday bodily functions and its immune system compromised to the point of being susceptible to disease. The veterinarian believed it would have taken months of poor care for it to reach that state.
All of the horses seized rated 2.5 or less on the Henneke scoring system for assessing a horse's body condition. The veterinarians agreed the system is subjective but they worked to be accurate within 0.5 to one point.
In part, Johnson's defence relied on testimony from a fellow horse owner, Howard Jackson who testimony was based primarily on photographs although he had visited the property to check on his own horses kept there.
Summarizing his testimony, Galbraith said Jackson told the court the horses were in less than perfect condition but nothing unusual for thoroughbreds kept over the winter in ranch conditions, given that they're less hardy than other breeds.
Jackson also noted some of the horses were running on the day of the seizure, a sign in his experience they were not starving. Galbraith found Jackson's opinion "rather extreme" in the sense that he doesn't consider a horse starving until it can't stand up on its own.
Galbraith acknowledged Jackson's decades of experience raising horses but also noted he lacks formal medical or scientific training and showed a lack of respect for veterinarians.
"He characterized some veterinarians, at one point, as 'city girls with no agricultural background who live in a fantasy land,'" Galbraith said.
While he appreciates that Jackson may not agree with some veterinary practices, Galbraith found his "utter dismissal of persons who are trained professionals does concern me."
And Galbraith noted that at no time did Jackson conduct a hands-on check of the animals like the veterinarians had.
Jackson was at the centre of a controversy in November over the alleged state of horses he had pastured near the airport.
Johnson represented himself and the trial took up more than 40 days over the course of four years.
Johnson was found guilty of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal and failing to provide necessities for an animal under the Criminal Code and causing an animal to continue to be in distress under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
A sentencing hearing will be held in May.
(Prince George Citizen - March 30, 2017)
In a lengthy decision, judge Victor Galbraith also found that even if Stephen Thomas Johnson, 58, did not initially notice their state, he failed to act when SPCA constables warned him of their condition.
In a lengthy decision, provincial court judge Victor Galbraith found the horses under the care of Stephen Thomas Johnson, 58, were underfed to the point of emaciation. Even if he did not initially notice their state, Galbraith found Johnson failed to act when warned of their condition by the SPCA constables.
In all, 15 of 22 horses on Johnson's ranch were seized on March 15, 2011 and taken to Prince George Equine Rescue, a bit more than two months after SPCA constables first visited the property.
Evidence presented during the trial showed a handful of the horses with swollen limbs, poor hooves and problem teeth. But Galbraith found there was no evidence to show the trouble had reached the level where the animals were actually lame or in distress as a consequence.
"I find that the level of care may well have fallen below what the SPCA deems appropriate, but not to such a degree that it would constitute an offence," Galbraith said.
However, Galbraith did find Crown prosecution proved the core of its case - that the horses were not being fed enough.
On that aspect, Galbraith accepted testimony from two veterinarians who performed "hands on" assessments of the animals' condition. Two of those assessments were carried out when the horses were still on Johnson's property and two afterwards.
They variously found horses in thin, poor condition with protruding ribs and vertebrae and no palpable fat. One horse in particular would have had trouble performing everyday bodily functions and its immune system compromised to the point of being susceptible to disease. The veterinarian believed it would have taken months of poor care for it to reach that state.
All of the horses seized rated 2.5 or less on the Henneke scoring system for assessing a horse's body condition. The veterinarians agreed the system is subjective but they worked to be accurate within 0.5 to one point.
In part, Johnson's defence relied on testimony from a fellow horse owner, Howard Jackson who testimony was based primarily on photographs although he had visited the property to check on his own horses kept there.
Summarizing his testimony, Galbraith said Jackson told the court the horses were in less than perfect condition but nothing unusual for thoroughbreds kept over the winter in ranch conditions, given that they're less hardy than other breeds.
Jackson also noted some of the horses were running on the day of the seizure, a sign in his experience they were not starving. Galbraith found Jackson's opinion "rather extreme" in the sense that he doesn't consider a horse starving until it can't stand up on its own.
Galbraith acknowledged Jackson's decades of experience raising horses but also noted he lacks formal medical or scientific training and showed a lack of respect for veterinarians.
"He characterized some veterinarians, at one point, as 'city girls with no agricultural background who live in a fantasy land,'" Galbraith said.
While he appreciates that Jackson may not agree with some veterinary practices, Galbraith found his "utter dismissal of persons who are trained professionals does concern me."
And Galbraith noted that at no time did Jackson conduct a hands-on check of the animals like the veterinarians had.
Jackson was at the centre of a controversy in November over the alleged state of horses he had pastured near the airport.
Johnson represented himself and the trial took up more than 40 days over the course of four years.
Johnson was found guilty of causing unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal and failing to provide necessities for an animal under the Criminal Code and causing an animal to continue to be in distress under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
A sentencing hearing will be held in May.
(Prince George Citizen - March 30, 2017)
North Carolina: Dondrake Baldwin, 18, charged with Animal Cruelty
Full Name: Dondrake Everette Baldwin
City: Charlotte, North Carolina 28213
Gender: Male
Height: 5'06"
Birthdate: 05/18/1998
Arrest Age: 18
Arrest Date: 03/31/2017
Arrest Time: 11:30 AM
Arrest location: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Total Bond: $1000
Charges
#1 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (MISDEMEANOR)
BOND: $500
#2 LOCAL ORDINANCE-FREE TEXT
BOND: $500
City: Charlotte, North Carolina 28213
Gender: Male
Height: 5'06"
Birthdate: 05/18/1998
Arrest Age: 18
Arrest Date: 03/31/2017
Arrest Time: 11:30 AM
Arrest location: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Total Bond: $1000
Charges
#1 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (MISDEMEANOR)
BOND: $500
#2 LOCAL ORDINANCE-FREE TEXT
BOND: $500
Nebraska: Felony charges thrown out in exchange for Tommy Leetch's 'no contest' plea to Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty after 21 DOGS SEIZED
NEBRAKSA -- Tommy Leetch Sr. (aka Thomas Leetch) pleaded no contest to five misdemeanors, three of them for animal cruelty, on Wednesday as part of a plea agreement in Merrick County Court.
The animal cruelty charges involved two dogs and a black pony. The dogs were a brindle and white female adult American pit bull terrier and a black female terrier mix puppy.
Leetch, 35, also pleaded no contest to one charge each of theft by taking of items valued at $500 or less and failure to appear. He pleaded guilty to false reporting.
The crimes occurred at 156 Beck Road.
Michelle Von Ohlen, who is Leetch’s girlfriend, pleaded no contest to two counts of animal cruelty involving the same two dogs.
All of the animal cruelty charges involving both defendants are Class 1 misdemeanors. False reporting is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Theft by taking is a Class 2 misdemeanor, and failure to appear is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Judge Stephen Twiss ordered presentence investigations for both Leetch and Von Ohlen.
Leetch will be sentenced in the five separate cases against him at 10 a.m. July 12.
Von Ohlen, 34, will be sentenced in her one case at 10:15 a.m. July 19. Another case against Von Ohlen was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Attorney James Wagoner, who represents both defendants, asked that they be sentenced at different times. Leetch and Von Ohlen have children, who will have to be taken care of if jail time is assessed.
These two need to stop breeding!
Felony charges against Leetch were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Leetch was originally charged with 21 cases of animal cruelty, two of them felonies, in one case alone. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty in that case.
As part of sentencing, Leetch will be ordered not to own or live with animals for five years.
The case was prosecuted by Merrick County Attorney Lynelle Homolka.
All of the animals involved in the cases have been turned over to the Central Nebraska Humane Society.
In one of the cases, Leetch will be required to pay restitution to Jessica Schleichardt for stolen firewood.
CAREER CRIMINALS LET OFF THE HOOK
As part of the plea agreement, Homolka said, Merrick County will not file charges in three incidents reported to her office in February and March of this year. Those accusations involved fictitious plates, the theft of utility services, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. In the theft of utility services, Leetch will pay restitution.
Watching the proceedings were six people, five of whom live near 156 Beck Road.
GLAD TO SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE OUTRAGED AT THE PATHETIC DEAL HANDED TO THESE TWO CRETINS:
Tracie Pfeifle - Apparently animal cruelty is tolerated in some places. Good work by those who investigated and reported on this issue. The judicial system has failed these animals and any that these individuals may own in the future.
Miranda Roode - This is sad. These people are going to get away with it. Now I know where to commit crime.
Evette Mumford - dropping the felonies and three major charges... unreal... :( Seems like there is no accountability in Merrick county.
Bernie Smith - What is really sad is that there are hard working law abiding people in this county. We are all in shock at the "slap on the hand" of habitual crime activities of a few people.
Karl Skinner - Who will be the voice of the animals? The article does not even detail the alleged cruelty.
Dawn Haymart - How are the children treated? Should they be allowed to keep them?
Patricia Merrill - You gotta be kidding! 😡 shame on the court for this! Those poor animals deserved better than this! 😢💙😡😡😡😡
(The Independent - March 31, 2017)
Earlier:
The animal cruelty charges involved two dogs and a black pony. The dogs were a brindle and white female adult American pit bull terrier and a black female terrier mix puppy.
Leetch, 35, also pleaded no contest to one charge each of theft by taking of items valued at $500 or less and failure to appear. He pleaded guilty to false reporting.
The crimes occurred at 156 Beck Road.
Michelle Von Ohlen, who is Leetch’s girlfriend, pleaded no contest to two counts of animal cruelty involving the same two dogs.
All of the animal cruelty charges involving both defendants are Class 1 misdemeanors. False reporting is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Theft by taking is a Class 2 misdemeanor, and failure to appear is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Judge Stephen Twiss ordered presentence investigations for both Leetch and Von Ohlen.
Leetch will be sentenced in the five separate cases against him at 10 a.m. July 12.
Von Ohlen, 34, will be sentenced in her one case at 10:15 a.m. July 19. Another case against Von Ohlen was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Attorney James Wagoner, who represents both defendants, asked that they be sentenced at different times. Leetch and Von Ohlen have children, who will have to be taken care of if jail time is assessed.
These two need to stop breeding!
Felony charges against Leetch were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Leetch was originally charged with 21 cases of animal cruelty, two of them felonies, in one case alone. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty in that case.
As part of sentencing, Leetch will be ordered not to own or live with animals for five years.
The case was prosecuted by Merrick County Attorney Lynelle Homolka.
All of the animals involved in the cases have been turned over to the Central Nebraska Humane Society.
In one of the cases, Leetch will be required to pay restitution to Jessica Schleichardt for stolen firewood.
CAREER CRIMINALS LET OFF THE HOOK
As part of the plea agreement, Homolka said, Merrick County will not file charges in three incidents reported to her office in February and March of this year. Those accusations involved fictitious plates, the theft of utility services, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. In the theft of utility services, Leetch will pay restitution.
Watching the proceedings were six people, five of whom live near 156 Beck Road.
GLAD TO SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE OUTRAGED AT THE PATHETIC DEAL HANDED TO THESE TWO CRETINS:
Tracie Pfeifle - Apparently animal cruelty is tolerated in some places. Good work by those who investigated and reported on this issue. The judicial system has failed these animals and any that these individuals may own in the future.
Miranda Roode - This is sad. These people are going to get away with it. Now I know where to commit crime.
Evette Mumford - dropping the felonies and three major charges... unreal... :( Seems like there is no accountability in Merrick county.
Bernie Smith - What is really sad is that there are hard working law abiding people in this county. We are all in shock at the "slap on the hand" of habitual crime activities of a few people.
Karl Skinner - Who will be the voice of the animals? The article does not even detail the alleged cruelty.
Dawn Haymart - How are the children treated? Should they be allowed to keep them?
Patricia Merrill - You gotta be kidding! 😡 shame on the court for this! Those poor animals deserved better than this! 😢💙😡😡😡😡
VIDEO NEWS CLIP:
(The Independent - March 31, 2017)
Earlier:
Tennessee: Kind-hearted police officer gets written up for "conduct unbecoming an officer" because she climbed into a dumpster to find food for stray animals she encounters while on patrol.
TENNESSEE -- A Fairview police officer got a written reprimand after she admits to dumpster diving behind a local business.
The officer says she was going through the dumpster looked for ripped bags of dog food for stray animals.
Carla Cottrell is a veteran officer with Fairview Police Department. Her boss says she has a big heart when it comes to strays.
“She’s a compassionate officer who has a big heart for animals who was dumpster diving, for lack of a better term, for discarded dog food, discarded bags that tractor supply throws out. It was not for any personal gain or anything like that,” explained Chief Zack Humphreys.
According to Chief Humphreys, Officer Cottrell was searching in the dumpster while on duty, wearing her police uniform and driving a marked Fairview police car.
“We understand her compassion for that, but it is conduct not becoming an officer while on duty and it would be better served on her own time,” the chief said.
Humphreys told News 2 Cottrell works the late shift and tries to help strays she comes across.
“I know late at night she has encountered some [strays] she has taken care of but we don’t know the number now,” the chief told News 2.
He added, “There is no malicious intent. She is just so compassionate and trying to aid them and tractor supply has a policy against that, dumpster diving, and it is not a practice we want to participate in anyway.
Humphreys continued, “We have clear expectations of what we expect here, a clear code of conduct and behavior, and we are just trying to get our officers on track with that.”
News 2 reached out to the tractor supply company, but no one would comment on this incident specifically. A spokesperson did say any dog food they might discard is typically given to shelters and animal rescues.
(WKRN - March 29, 2017)
The officer says she was going through the dumpster looked for ripped bags of dog food for stray animals.
Carla Cottrell is a veteran officer with Fairview Police Department. Her boss says she has a big heart when it comes to strays.
According to Chief Humphreys, Officer Cottrell was searching in the dumpster while on duty, wearing her police uniform and driving a marked Fairview police car.
“We understand her compassion for that, but it is conduct not becoming an officer while on duty and it would be better served on her own time,” the chief said.
Humphreys told News 2 Cottrell works the late shift and tries to help strays she comes across.
“I know late at night she has encountered some [strays] she has taken care of but we don’t know the number now,” the chief told News 2.
He added, “There is no malicious intent. She is just so compassionate and trying to aid them and tractor supply has a policy against that, dumpster diving, and it is not a practice we want to participate in anyway.
Humphreys continued, “We have clear expectations of what we expect here, a clear code of conduct and behavior, and we are just trying to get our officers on track with that.”
News 2 reached out to the tractor supply company, but no one would comment on this incident specifically. A spokesperson did say any dog food they might discard is typically given to shelters and animal rescues.
(WKRN - March 29, 2017)
Florida: Miniature therapy horses attacked and brutally killed by pit bull and German Shepherd mix
FLORIDA -- Two miniature therapy horses have died after being mauled by two dogs, one of which belonged to a neighbor, earlier this month, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office said.
The horses were part of a group from the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses charity that went to Newtown, Connecticut, to comfort victims and families in the Sandy Hook killings.
Gentle Carousel's tiny horses visit more than 45,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs and with children who have experienced traumatic events.
Deputies said Mozart and Catherine were in their pasture March 6 when a neighbor's pit bull got loose.
"We woke up Saturday morning and Catherine was covered with blood," said Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, owner of Gentle Carousel. "We had no idea what had transpired, so I quickly loaded her up and put her in the trailer to take her to a veterinarian's office and we found Mozart who had been killed, mauled by these dogs."
Mozart was mauled to death and Catherine died at an animal hospital about 10 days after the attack.
The dog's owner told deputies that the female pit bull had "showed signs of aggression in the past," the incident report said.
A separate dog, a German shepherd mix, was also involved in the attack, deputies said.
Animal control was called to investigate and determined that the pit bull was behind the attack, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Both dogs have since been put down.
Catherine and Mozart trained for two years to become therapy horses. Both had visited sick children in the hospital and Catherine had met with Pulse nightclub shooting first responders. Gentle Carousel named her in honor of Catherine Hubbard, 6, who died at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012.
"We've done everything from Sandy Hook after the shootings there. We were working with the families and some first responders and we have worked with the Pulse nightclub shooting medical responders," Garcia-Bengochea said.
The community has come together, creating a GoFundMe account to raise money for the nonprofit organization that has helped so many people over the last 20 years.
"It has brought us back emotionally. It's been hard to talk to children and families about what is happened to those horses, and it's been devastating for us, but now we're just trying to go forward," Garcia-Bengochea said.
(News4Jax - March 22, 2017)
The horses were part of a group from the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses charity that went to Newtown, Connecticut, to comfort victims and families in the Sandy Hook killings.
Gentle Carousel's tiny horses visit more than 45,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs and with children who have experienced traumatic events.
Deputies said Mozart and Catherine were in their pasture March 6 when a neighbor's pit bull got loose.
"We woke up Saturday morning and Catherine was covered with blood," said Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, owner of Gentle Carousel. "We had no idea what had transpired, so I quickly loaded her up and put her in the trailer to take her to a veterinarian's office and we found Mozart who had been killed, mauled by these dogs."
 |
| RIP Catherine |
Mozart was mauled to death and Catherine died at an animal hospital about 10 days after the attack.
The dog's owner told deputies that the female pit bull had "showed signs of aggression in the past," the incident report said.
A separate dog, a German shepherd mix, was also involved in the attack, deputies said.
 |
| RIP Mozart |
Animal control was called to investigate and determined that the pit bull was behind the attack, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Both dogs have since been put down.
Catherine and Mozart trained for two years to become therapy horses. Both had visited sick children in the hospital and Catherine had met with Pulse nightclub shooting first responders. Gentle Carousel named her in honor of Catherine Hubbard, 6, who died at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012.
"We've done everything from Sandy Hook after the shootings there. We were working with the families and some first responders and we have worked with the Pulse nightclub shooting medical responders," Garcia-Bengochea said.
The community has come together, creating a GoFundMe account to raise money for the nonprofit organization that has helped so many people over the last 20 years.
"It has brought us back emotionally. It's been hard to talk to children and families about what is happened to those horses, and it's been devastating for us, but now we're just trying to go forward," Garcia-Bengochea said.
(News4Jax - March 22, 2017)
Canada: Polar bear photographed 'praying' next to cross
CANADA -- Jessica Andrews was scanning through dozens of photos she took of a polar bear roaming around her backyard when she came across one that stopped her in her tracks.
The large animal was squatting beneath a white cross, its paws together and raised skyward as it looked up in a seemingly reverential pose.
“I didn’t notice it when I was taking them, but when I started to go through to edit them, oh my God, I was like, ’Holy crap, he’s praying!”’ the 22-year-old said from her home in Wesleyville, a shoreline community on Newfoundland’s central coast.
“I was amazed, I mean, beyond amazed.”
The slightly grainy photo shows the bear sitting on its haunches on a barren, snow-covered patch of rock as it looks up to the top of the white cross.
Andrews said she heard there was a polar bear on the small island behind her house soon after she arrived home from work at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. She grabbed her camera and spotted the bear wandering around some old fishing boxes on the island before it slipped into the water and ventured over to a neighbouring island.
She kept shooting photos and watching the bear with binoculars, insisting that the curious animal was staring back at her. She said the bear then approached the cross, sniffed around the base and then put his paw on it as if to climb up the main beam.
“He stood up and put his paw on the cross and that’s the picture I took,” she said. “It was almost like he was staring right at me.”
Andrews, who had never seen a polar bear before, said it’s not uncommon for the animals to visit the area. She said the animal meandered around the islands and rolled in the snow before disappearing from view Wednesday evening.
“It looked like he was having so much fun and it made me happy!” she said, adding that she took about 200 photos of the bear.
Police have issued a warning to people in the area to stay away from the bear.
(Toronto Sun - March 30, 2017)
The large animal was squatting beneath a white cross, its paws together and raised skyward as it looked up in a seemingly reverential pose.
“I didn’t notice it when I was taking them, but when I started to go through to edit them, oh my God, I was like, ’Holy crap, he’s praying!”’ the 22-year-old said from her home in Wesleyville, a shoreline community on Newfoundland’s central coast.
“I was amazed, I mean, beyond amazed.”
Andrews said she heard there was a polar bear on the small island behind her house soon after she arrived home from work at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. She grabbed her camera and spotted the bear wandering around some old fishing boxes on the island before it slipped into the water and ventured over to a neighbouring island.
She kept shooting photos and watching the bear with binoculars, insisting that the curious animal was staring back at her. She said the bear then approached the cross, sniffed around the base and then put his paw on it as if to climb up the main beam.
“He stood up and put his paw on the cross and that’s the picture I took,” she said. “It was almost like he was staring right at me.”
Andrews, who had never seen a polar bear before, said it’s not uncommon for the animals to visit the area. She said the animal meandered around the islands and rolled in the snow before disappearing from view Wednesday evening.
“It looked like he was having so much fun and it made me happy!” she said, adding that she took about 200 photos of the bear.
Police have issued a warning to people in the area to stay away from the bear.
(Toronto Sun - March 30, 2017)
Washington: Jeremy Hoskin, 40, pleads not guilty to starving his horses so badly that one had to be euthanized
WASHINGTON -- A man accused of neglecting his horses, one of which was euthanized, pleaded not guilty Thursday to animal cruelty charges.
Jeremy Hoskin Sr., 40, is charged with first-degree animal cruelty and second-degree animal cruelty in Pierce County Superior Court.
Court Commissioner Meagan Foley ordered him released on his own recognizance. She also prohibited him from having or caring for animals until the court says otherwise.
According to charging papers:
Someone called animal control May 16, 2014, to say a horse that was skinny and appeared to have an injured leg was on the loose on the Key Peninsula.
An Animal Control officer visited the home of the man believed to own the horse and found no one was home, but could see four horses outside.
Several looked underweight, and the pasture was mostly dirt, because the horses had eaten the available grass.
The officer left a note, and when the owner called her, he said he’d been caring for the leg injury of the loose horse himself, and that he knew the horses were too skinny but weren’t “terrible.”
A couple of days after the initial report, Animal Control took the horses away. The owner said he had never had the horses’ teeth filed down, which is needed for them to eat properly.
One horse was found to be blind, with detached lenses, and was very underweight. Animal Control decided the animal needed to be euthanized.
Two of the other horses seized were underweight, though one only slightly, and the fourth couldn’t be found.
My guess is that the 4th horse is dead.
Full Name: Jeremy Hoskin Sr.
Arrested By: Pierce County Jail
Booked Date: March 31, 2016
Gender Male
Race White
Date of Birth N/A
Tracking Number 2016091024
Charges
Animal Cruelty 1 (C)
Animal Cruelty 2
(thenewstribune.com - March 31, 2017)
Jeremy Hoskin Sr., 40, is charged with first-degree animal cruelty and second-degree animal cruelty in Pierce County Superior Court.
Court Commissioner Meagan Foley ordered him released on his own recognizance. She also prohibited him from having or caring for animals until the court says otherwise.
According to charging papers:
Someone called animal control May 16, 2014, to say a horse that was skinny and appeared to have an injured leg was on the loose on the Key Peninsula.
An Animal Control officer visited the home of the man believed to own the horse and found no one was home, but could see four horses outside.
Several looked underweight, and the pasture was mostly dirt, because the horses had eaten the available grass.
The officer left a note, and when the owner called her, he said he’d been caring for the leg injury of the loose horse himself, and that he knew the horses were too skinny but weren’t “terrible.”
A couple of days after the initial report, Animal Control took the horses away. The owner said he had never had the horses’ teeth filed down, which is needed for them to eat properly.
One horse was found to be blind, with detached lenses, and was very underweight. Animal Control decided the animal needed to be euthanized.
Two of the other horses seized were underweight, though one only slightly, and the fourth couldn’t be found.
My guess is that the 4th horse is dead.
Full Name: Jeremy Hoskin Sr.
Arrested By: Pierce County Jail
Booked Date: March 31, 2016
Gender Male
Race White
Date of Birth N/A
Tracking Number 2016091024
Charges
Animal Cruelty 1 (C)
Animal Cruelty 2
(thenewstribune.com - March 31, 2017)
Canada: Man buys 'service dog' vet and ID card online then demands to take his Pit Bull / Rottweiler mix everywhere he goes
CANADA -- A newcomer to Ottawa says he’s run into discrimination because of his service dog, including being forcibly ushered out of a small church on Montreal Road during Sunday service.
The case of William Jewitt, 42, an out-of-work tow-truck operator, is a tangle of competing rights, complicated by the dog itself — a 15-month-old pit bull mix named Teeka that flirts with Ontario’s breed ban.
Jewitt’s experience also points to an obvious regulatory gap in Ontario: with a letter from a doctor or nurse, a person with a disability can declare just about any pet a “service animal” and, in the name of accommodation, gain entry in virtually any public place, transit system or private business.
“I really think, what it comes down to,” said Jewitt, “is when people have a service dog for a mental health or an emotional issue, we should all be treated the same.”
The dog is a Rottweiler - Pit Bull mix.
“She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body,” Jewitt insists.
He said the animal helps calm him against the effects of depression and anxiety he’s suffered much of his life — a condition exacerbated by arriving at many horrible traffic accidents, with injuries or fatalities, during nine years of towing cars.
In a short span, he moved from Alberta to B.C. then to Thunder Bay, his hometown. In order to have Teeka as a close companion — while shopping or taking transit — he began to inquire about status as a service animal.
He found a U.S.-based website that, for $177, sent him a Service Dog vest and a laminated card with the words: “Official Service Dog, Canadian I.D. card.”
Jewitt says he’s used the designation without any problems in two or three provinces, including putting Teeka onboard a Greyhound bus that crossed Canada. Neither has there been an issue with entering coffee shops or fast-food restaurants, he said.
But when he arrived in Ottawa about a week ago, he said a cab driver at the Catherine Street bus station initially refused to accept him as a fare, claiming an allergy to dogs.
“It turned into a big argument,” said Jewitt. When other drivers intervened, the first driver was eventually persuaded to take Jewitt to his destination. Later in the week, he said, cab drivers would stop when he waved them down, only to take off when they saw the animal.
On Sunday, Jewitt, a self-described born-again Christian, said he was walking by the Pentecostal Community of Ottawa and Gatineau, a small second-floor church on Montreal Road above a storefront. He heard music and, accompanied by Teeka, decided to stop in.
Jewitt and the dog evidently caused a stir. Several ushers approached to tell him animals were not permitted in the church. When he protested — explaining the dog’s special role — he said he was guided by the arm out of the church, leading to an argument that caused Teeka to begin loudly barking. An appeal to a pastor failed.
“Why should a church go and judge somebody because he has a service pet?”
(The senior pastor at the church said Jewitt and the dog were disrupting the service, including his sermon. Absent any visible sign of disability, they weren’t persuaded the dog should be exempted from the “no animals” policy in the church, he explained.)
There are a patchwork of regulations covering service animals across Canada, but Ontario is sometimes called “the Wild West” for its lack of statutory rigour.
The Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act contains a loosely worded definition, saying an animal is a service animal “if it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability” or if the person provides a supporting letter from a doctor or nurse.
Danielle Forbes is executive director of National Service Dogs, a charitable organization that breeds, trains and places service dogs for those with autism or post-traumatic stress disorder. There is no requirement, she said, for doctors to even examine the patient’s animal, let alone ensure it has any training.
Her organization often gets calls about what a “service dog” vest around an animal really means, in terms of training, certification or testing.
“There are lots of places, especially south of the border, online that are selling vests and very official-looking certification cards,” she said. “But the cards aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.”
Jewitt, doubtless, could get a doctor’s letter for Teeka. This is a man so attached to dogs he has their names tattooed on his body. What a complicated kindness is at play here.
“I can honestly say,” concludes Jewitt, admitting to rare suicidal thoughts, “I don’t know what I would do without her.”
(Ottawa Sun - March 11, 2017)
The case of William Jewitt, 42, an out-of-work tow-truck operator, is a tangle of competing rights, complicated by the dog itself — a 15-month-old pit bull mix named Teeka that flirts with Ontario’s breed ban.
Jewitt’s experience also points to an obvious regulatory gap in Ontario: with a letter from a doctor or nurse, a person with a disability can declare just about any pet a “service animal” and, in the name of accommodation, gain entry in virtually any public place, transit system or private business.
“I really think, what it comes down to,” said Jewitt, “is when people have a service dog for a mental health or an emotional issue, we should all be treated the same.”
“She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body,” Jewitt insists.
He said the animal helps calm him against the effects of depression and anxiety he’s suffered much of his life — a condition exacerbated by arriving at many horrible traffic accidents, with injuries or fatalities, during nine years of towing cars.
In a short span, he moved from Alberta to B.C. then to Thunder Bay, his hometown. In order to have Teeka as a close companion — while shopping or taking transit — he began to inquire about status as a service animal.
He found a U.S.-based website that, for $177, sent him a Service Dog vest and a laminated card with the words: “Official Service Dog, Canadian I.D. card.”
Jewitt says he’s used the designation without any problems in two or three provinces, including putting Teeka onboard a Greyhound bus that crossed Canada. Neither has there been an issue with entering coffee shops or fast-food restaurants, he said.
But when he arrived in Ottawa about a week ago, he said a cab driver at the Catherine Street bus station initially refused to accept him as a fare, claiming an allergy to dogs.
“It turned into a big argument,” said Jewitt. When other drivers intervened, the first driver was eventually persuaded to take Jewitt to his destination. Later in the week, he said, cab drivers would stop when he waved them down, only to take off when they saw the animal.
On Sunday, Jewitt, a self-described born-again Christian, said he was walking by the Pentecostal Community of Ottawa and Gatineau, a small second-floor church on Montreal Road above a storefront. He heard music and, accompanied by Teeka, decided to stop in.
Jewitt and the dog evidently caused a stir. Several ushers approached to tell him animals were not permitted in the church. When he protested — explaining the dog’s special role — he said he was guided by the arm out of the church, leading to an argument that caused Teeka to begin loudly barking. An appeal to a pastor failed.
“Why should a church go and judge somebody because he has a service pet?”
(The senior pastor at the church said Jewitt and the dog were disrupting the service, including his sermon. Absent any visible sign of disability, they weren’t persuaded the dog should be exempted from the “no animals” policy in the church, he explained.)
There are a patchwork of regulations covering service animals across Canada, but Ontario is sometimes called “the Wild West” for its lack of statutory rigour.
The Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act contains a loosely worded definition, saying an animal is a service animal “if it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability” or if the person provides a supporting letter from a doctor or nurse.
Danielle Forbes is executive director of National Service Dogs, a charitable organization that breeds, trains and places service dogs for those with autism or post-traumatic stress disorder. There is no requirement, she said, for doctors to even examine the patient’s animal, let alone ensure it has any training.
Her organization often gets calls about what a “service dog” vest around an animal really means, in terms of training, certification or testing.
“There are lots of places, especially south of the border, online that are selling vests and very official-looking certification cards,” she said. “But the cards aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.”
Jewitt, doubtless, could get a doctor’s letter for Teeka. This is a man so attached to dogs he has their names tattooed on his body. What a complicated kindness is at play here.
“I can honestly say,” concludes Jewitt, admitting to rare suicidal thoughts, “I don’t know what I would do without her.”
(Ottawa Sun - March 11, 2017)
California: Police track down pit bull owner who fled with his dog after vicious attack
CALIFORNIA -- Authorities have located the man who fled from the Santa Barbara Mission rose garden last week after his dog attacked and severely injured another dog, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department.
Enzo, a 6-1/2 pound mixed-bred dog, was severely mauled at about 1:30 p.m. March 16, according to his owner, Kelly Patrick-Marie, who was in town with her husband, Sage Marie, on a business trip.
“Enzo was lying in the grass soaking in the sun at the rose garden of the Santa Barbara Mission when an unleashed, three-legged pit bull grabbed him by the neck and began shaking him,” Patrick-Marie said in a posting on a GoFundMe page set up to pay for the animal’s medical bills.
“After a while, the owner of the pit bull was able to free Enzo, but immediately fled the scene with his dog. Enzo's neck was almost completely severed and his left cheek was torn open.”
A city Animal Control officer arrived at the scene much later, according to Santa Barbara police Sgt. Joshua Morton, and eventually was able to determine that the attacking dog’s owner lives in Lompoc.
“He was able to do this because a witness who had seen what had occurred provided the information,” Morton said. “This witness was able to get the license plate number for the suspect vehicle as it sped away from the Mission.”
The Animal Control officer was able to track down the owner’s residence in Lompoc, and Santa Barbara County Animal Services was asked to assist in the investigation, Morton said.
On Saturday, county Animal Services officials contacted the owner, Morton said.
“The dog was taken from the owner pending a vicious animal hearing, and will be held at the (county) shelter,” Morton said.
Patrick-Marie told the city Animal Control officer that Enzo was on a leash and the other dog was not, Morton said, but the owner of the attacking dog claimed both dogs were off-leash.
The animal’s owner, whose name was not released, has contacted the Police Department to set up the hearing, which has not been scheduled, Morton said.
After the hearing, the dog will either be released back to the owner or will be put down as a vicious animal, Morton said.
“As far as our Animal Control officers can tell, there has been no previous contact within the city or county with this dog,” Morton said. “This includes any attacks or other activity.”
Morton said he was told the dog’s owner “was cooperative and has reached out to the victim/owner of the victim dog to pay for the vet bills.”
The only reason they're "cooperative" is because they've been caught and they know they're facing criminal charges for their vicious dog - and for being a coward and running off and hiding.
Patrick-Marie could not be reached for confirmation of that or an update on Enzo’s condition.
However, the GoFundMe page, which has reached $3,085 of its $5,000 goal, indicated Wednesday evening that Enzo’s recovery was progressing well.
“Enzo had his first vet check up, and his skin is healing nicely,” Patrick-Marie wrote. “We go back Friday and hopefully get his drain removed. The best medicine is all the love he is getting from his brother, Quinn.”
GoFundMe link: Enzo's Surgery Expenses
On March 16, 2017 our sweet little 6.5lb mutt, Enzo, was lying in the grass soaking in the sun at Rose Garden of the Santa Barbara Mission when an unleashed three-legged pit bull grabbed him by the neck and began shaking him.
After a while the owner of the pit bull was able to free Enzo, but immediately fled the scene with his dog.
Enzo's neck almost completely severed and his left cheek was torn open. He had a three-hour surgery last night and is stable, but critical condition.
This is going to be a long journey of recovery for the little guy. Anything that you can contribute to this unexpected expense would be helpful. The 5k is based on the vet's estimate for the surgery and hospitalization of $4400, plus follow-up visits to our vet back home in San Pedro.
All donations in excess of our actual expenses will be sent to Santa Barbara Animal Rescue.
(Noozhawk - March 22, 2017)
Enzo, a 6-1/2 pound mixed-bred dog, was severely mauled at about 1:30 p.m. March 16, according to his owner, Kelly Patrick-Marie, who was in town with her husband, Sage Marie, on a business trip.
“Enzo was lying in the grass soaking in the sun at the rose garden of the Santa Barbara Mission when an unleashed, three-legged pit bull grabbed him by the neck and began shaking him,” Patrick-Marie said in a posting on a GoFundMe page set up to pay for the animal’s medical bills.
“After a while, the owner of the pit bull was able to free Enzo, but immediately fled the scene with his dog. Enzo's neck was almost completely severed and his left cheek was torn open.”
A city Animal Control officer arrived at the scene much later, according to Santa Barbara police Sgt. Joshua Morton, and eventually was able to determine that the attacking dog’s owner lives in Lompoc.
“He was able to do this because a witness who had seen what had occurred provided the information,” Morton said. “This witness was able to get the license plate number for the suspect vehicle as it sped away from the Mission.”
The Animal Control officer was able to track down the owner’s residence in Lompoc, and Santa Barbara County Animal Services was asked to assist in the investigation, Morton said.
On Saturday, county Animal Services officials contacted the owner, Morton said.
“The dog was taken from the owner pending a vicious animal hearing, and will be held at the (county) shelter,” Morton said.
Patrick-Marie told the city Animal Control officer that Enzo was on a leash and the other dog was not, Morton said, but the owner of the attacking dog claimed both dogs were off-leash.
The animal’s owner, whose name was not released, has contacted the Police Department to set up the hearing, which has not been scheduled, Morton said.
After the hearing, the dog will either be released back to the owner or will be put down as a vicious animal, Morton said.
“As far as our Animal Control officers can tell, there has been no previous contact within the city or county with this dog,” Morton said. “This includes any attacks or other activity.”
Morton said he was told the dog’s owner “was cooperative and has reached out to the victim/owner of the victim dog to pay for the vet bills.”
The only reason they're "cooperative" is because they've been caught and they know they're facing criminal charges for their vicious dog - and for being a coward and running off and hiding.
Patrick-Marie could not be reached for confirmation of that or an update on Enzo’s condition.
However, the GoFundMe page, which has reached $3,085 of its $5,000 goal, indicated Wednesday evening that Enzo’s recovery was progressing well.
“Enzo had his first vet check up, and his skin is healing nicely,” Patrick-Marie wrote. “We go back Friday and hopefully get his drain removed. The best medicine is all the love he is getting from his brother, Quinn.”
On March 16, 2017 our sweet little 6.5lb mutt, Enzo, was lying in the grass soaking in the sun at Rose Garden of the Santa Barbara Mission when an unleashed three-legged pit bull grabbed him by the neck and began shaking him.
After a while the owner of the pit bull was able to free Enzo, but immediately fled the scene with his dog.
Enzo's neck almost completely severed and his left cheek was torn open. He had a three-hour surgery last night and is stable, but critical condition.
This is going to be a long journey of recovery for the little guy. Anything that you can contribute to this unexpected expense would be helpful. The 5k is based on the vet's estimate for the surgery and hospitalization of $4400, plus follow-up visits to our vet back home in San Pedro.
All donations in excess of our actual expenses will be sent to Santa Barbara Animal Rescue.
(Noozhawk - March 22, 2017)
Wisconsin: Police officer helps rescue injured owl
WISCONSIN -- An owl is rescued thanks to a local police officer.
Officer Travis Hakes of the Lake Hallie Police Department says he helped rescue the owl yesterday after receiving a report of an injured owl which could not fly.
He says they were able to drop a blanket over the bird and put it in a pet carrier. The owl was then taken to the Wildlife Rehabilitation center in Colfax.
Officer Hakes says this is his second time rescuing an owl.
“Conservation is always important to me so anytime on duty or off duty, I can help get an animal rehabilitated and set free it's always a positive thing for me and I enjoy it.”
Officer Hakes say the owl is doing better and is eating and moving around at the rehabilitation center, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release in Colfax.
(WEAU - Mach 24, 2017)
Officer Travis Hakes of the Lake Hallie Police Department says he helped rescue the owl yesterday after receiving a report of an injured owl which could not fly.
He says they were able to drop a blanket over the bird and put it in a pet carrier. The owl was then taken to the Wildlife Rehabilitation center in Colfax.
Officer Hakes says this is his second time rescuing an owl.
“Conservation is always important to me so anytime on duty or off duty, I can help get an animal rehabilitated and set free it's always a positive thing for me and I enjoy it.”
Officer Hakes say the owl is doing better and is eating and moving around at the rehabilitation center, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release in Colfax.
(WEAU - Mach 24, 2017)
Ohio: Killer pit bulls not taken by Animal control. Remember when Ohio repealed their pit bull law? This is the result. Thanks, Ohio.
OHIO -- I live in Mansfield, Ohio. Two pit bulls killed my little dog, put my other dog in serious condition and killed my neighbor's little dog - actually ripped it right out of his arms.
They belong to a neighbor and got loose. The dogs were not taken [by Animal Control].
This is Gracie about to go on the motorcycle she was murdered just one week ago today by two pit bulls
This is one of the pit bulls that killed Gracie and attacked Remington and killed my neighbor's dog.
They belong to a neighbor and got loose. The dogs were not taken [by Animal Control].
This is Gracie about to go on the motorcycle she was murdered just one week ago today by two pit bulls
This is one of the pit bulls that killed Gracie and attacked Remington and killed my neighbor's dog.
United Kingdom: Girl, ten, mauled by dog while shopping with mother
UNITED KINGDOM -- A ten-year-old girl was mauled by a dog while she was was out shopping with her mother.
The child was standing with her mother at an ATM machine outside the Scotmid store in Fife when the animal bit her.
Owner Bruce Rourke was tying the dog up a few feet away from the mother and child when it lunged for the schoolgirl.
She was taken to Dundee's Ninewells Hospital were she was treated for bites to the body and given antibiotics as a precaution after the attack in Castle Street, Tayport.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard on Friday the victim did not suffer lasting damage.
Rourke, of Tayport, pleaded guilty on summary complaint to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Sheriff Alistair Brown deferred sentencing on the 57-year-old and said he may make an order for the dog to be destroyed.
(STV News - March 31, 2017)
The child was standing with her mother at an ATM machine outside the Scotmid store in Fife when the animal bit her.
Owner Bruce Rourke was tying the dog up a few feet away from the mother and child when it lunged for the schoolgirl.
She was taken to Dundee's Ninewells Hospital were she was treated for bites to the body and given antibiotics as a precaution after the attack in Castle Street, Tayport.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard on Friday the victim did not suffer lasting damage.
Rourke, of Tayport, pleaded guilty on summary complaint to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Sheriff Alistair Brown deferred sentencing on the 57-year-old and said he may make an order for the dog to be destroyed.
(STV News - March 31, 2017)
Kentucky: "Our little Dog named R2 was killed by a pit bull late this afternoon"
KENTUCKY -- Gretta Spradlin posted on Facebook March 25, 2017 at 8:12pm ·
Our little Dog named R2 was killed by a pit bull late this afternoon. Animal control got the pit bull said it may be put down.I hope so cause there has been to many attacks in our area lately
Irene Lobaido - Get legally armed against attacking dangerous dog!! They escape daily all over and kill innocent people and animals! Don't be helpless dead victims! Be aware of your surroundings at all times!! When dangerous dogs ATTACK,..IT'S TIME TO WHACK!!
Rosa Jacquard Bood - I'm very,very sorry about your loss!!! :( Hugs Xx Xx It is true that legal action needs to be taken against the irresponsible pet owners that allow their dogs to get loose...and maul and kill innocent animals like your precious baby R2. It's about the only hope we have of stopping the daily carnage that is happening by pit bulls...it is daily! :( Money talks! You could perhaps donate some of the money to help innocent victims of severe pit bull maulings in honor of R2...just a thought. Best wishes to you in the future!!!
Irene Lobaido - I don't walk out my front door without pistol and knife, exactly for these reasons..concealed carry permit.. Too many irresponsible owners can't keep them contained or controlled..
Our little Dog named R2 was killed by a pit bull late this afternoon. Animal control got the pit bull said it may be put down.I hope so cause there has been to many attacks in our area lately
Irene Lobaido - Get legally armed against attacking dangerous dog!! They escape daily all over and kill innocent people and animals! Don't be helpless dead victims! Be aware of your surroundings at all times!! When dangerous dogs ATTACK,..IT'S TIME TO WHACK!!
Rosa Jacquard Bood - I'm very,very sorry about your loss!!! :( Hugs Xx Xx It is true that legal action needs to be taken against the irresponsible pet owners that allow their dogs to get loose...and maul and kill innocent animals like your precious baby R2. It's about the only hope we have of stopping the daily carnage that is happening by pit bulls...it is daily! :( Money talks! You could perhaps donate some of the money to help innocent victims of severe pit bull maulings in honor of R2...just a thought. Best wishes to you in the future!!!
Irene Lobaido - I don't walk out my front door without pistol and knife, exactly for these reasons..concealed carry permit.. Too many irresponsible owners can't keep them contained or controlled..
Indiana: Thomas Herbin charged with animal cruelty after allegedly kicking woman’s Chihuahua
INDIANA -- A Bloomington man is facing an animal cruelty charge after he reportedly kicked a Chihuahua.
Police arrested 33-year-old Thomas C. Herbin on the misdemeanor charge Sunday.
The owner of the dog said she took it to St. Francis Pet Hospital in Martinsville, where it underwent treatment for a dislocated hip, which ended up costing $1,768, according to a Bloomington police report.
The owner also told officers the Chihuahua is her son’s service animal and he’s suffering emotionally without the animal in his home.
Herbin’s bond was set at $1,500.
(FOX59 - March 30, 2017)
Police arrested 33-year-old Thomas C. Herbin on the misdemeanor charge Sunday.
The owner also told officers the Chihuahua is her son’s service animal and he’s suffering emotionally without the animal in his home.
Herbin’s bond was set at $1,500.
(FOX59 - March 30, 2017)
New York: Amanda Mills and Steven Jernigan charged with animal cruelty after a horse starves to death
NEW YORK -- Two town residents were charged Tuesday following an animal cruelty investigation by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
Amanda M. Mills, 28, of North Centenary Road, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals (class E felony).
Steven D. Jernigan, 40, also of North Centenary Road, was charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance (misdemeanors).
Mills is accused of intentionally causing the death of a horse she owned by depriving it of necessary sustenance, food and drink.
Deputies said Jernigan knowingly deprived the horse of necessary sustenance, food and drink.
Mills and Jernigan were given appearance tickets to Sodus Town Court.
(Finger Lake Times - March 29, 2017)
Amanda M. Mills, 28, of North Centenary Road, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals (class E felony).
Steven D. Jernigan, 40, also of North Centenary Road, was charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and failure to provide proper sustenance (misdemeanors).
Deputies said Jernigan knowingly deprived the horse of necessary sustenance, food and drink.
Mills and Jernigan were given appearance tickets to Sodus Town Court.
(Finger Lake Times - March 29, 2017)
Florida: Manasseh Walker, 23, will be sitting in the county jail for at least 3 months after purposely setting fire to his girlfriend's pet bunny after it nipped him
FLORIDA -- A Florida man was sentenced to a year in jail for intentionally setting his girlfriend's pet rabbit on fire.
Manasseh Walker was convicted of aggravated animal cruelty this month over the incident that took place last year, according to the Herald Tribune.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office charged the 23-year-old with setting the rabbit named Thumper on fire after it reportedly bit him last June.
He was sentenced to a year in the county jail after a jury found him guilty.
According to the Bradenton Herald, on June 12 witnesses say Walker claimed that he had been bitten by the rabbit and a few moments later was seen chasing the animal while it was on fire
Thumper survived the attack but lost his ears.
Walker later admitted to police that he was responsible for the burn injuries to Thumper, according to the Tribune.
A veterinarian examined Thumper and said the cause of the rabbit's injuries were not consistent with Walker's account. Walker said the incident was accidental.
'The was obviously a heinous thing to do to any living creature,' the lead prosecutor, assistant state attorney Dan Yuter, said in the release.
Thumper is now being cared for at the Wildlife Center of Venice.
PREVIOUS ARREST:
Name: Manasseh Walker
Date of Birth: 07/26/1993
Age: 22
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 140
Eye Color: BROWN
Hair Color: BLACK
Place of Birth: NY
Address: 12343 LORENZA AV
City: NORTH PORT
State: FL
Zip Code: 34287
Charge Description: BATTERY: COMMIT FELONY BATTERY (DOMESTIC)
Incident Number: 201500081465
Docket Number: 2015 CF 018384 NC
Arrest Date: 11/24/2015
Arraign Date: 01/08/2016
Bond Agency: DEBRA CRENSHAW BAIL BONDS
Bond Amount: $7,500
(Daily Mail - March 31, 2017)
Earlier:
Manasseh Walker was convicted of aggravated animal cruelty this month over the incident that took place last year, according to the Herald Tribune.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office charged the 23-year-old with setting the rabbit named Thumper on fire after it reportedly bit him last June.
He was sentenced to a year in the county jail after a jury found him guilty.
According to the Bradenton Herald, on June 12 witnesses say Walker claimed that he had been bitten by the rabbit and a few moments later was seen chasing the animal while it was on fire
Thumper survived the attack but lost his ears.
Walker later admitted to police that he was responsible for the burn injuries to Thumper, according to the Tribune.
A veterinarian examined Thumper and said the cause of the rabbit's injuries were not consistent with Walker's account. Walker said the incident was accidental.
'The was obviously a heinous thing to do to any living creature,' the lead prosecutor, assistant state attorney Dan Yuter, said in the release.
Thumper is now being cared for at the Wildlife Center of Venice.
PREVIOUS ARREST:
Name: Manasseh Walker
Date of Birth: 07/26/1993
Age: 22
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 140
Eye Color: BROWN
Hair Color: BLACK
Place of Birth: NY
Address: 12343 LORENZA AV
City: NORTH PORT
State: FL
Zip Code: 34287
Charge Description: BATTERY: COMMIT FELONY BATTERY (DOMESTIC)
Incident Number: 201500081465
Docket Number: 2015 CF 018384 NC
Arrest Date: 11/24/2015
Arraign Date: 01/08/2016
Bond Agency: DEBRA CRENSHAW BAIL BONDS
Bond Amount: $7,500
(Daily Mail - March 31, 2017)
Earlier:
Ohio: Labrador being walked on leash is attacked by unleashed pit bull. Pit bull owner beats the Lab with a baseball bat - instead of grabbing his vicious dog
OHIO -- While having a routine morning walked, Brutus was charged and attacked by the neighborhoods vicious dog.
Not only was he attacked by the unleashed dog, he was also attacked by the unleashed dogs owner, and his metal bat. Thus, leading to substantial damage to all over his body. Including broken ribs, bite punctures and gashes from the bat.
Luckily the vet was able to stitch all Brutus's wounds, and take X-rays to prepare us for future issues. To our dismay, the bat used may have caused internal bleeding in his body and to his brain, however we can not afford for him to have a MRI to give us any confirmation.
We are praying he will come through with out anymore issues. Sadly there is a grey area when it comes to the law and dogs, thus not much justice will be brought to Brutus. With the help of go fund me, we hope to be able to pay his $1000 medical bill, along with pursuing with a civil courts case.
There needs to be more done for the safety of not only neighborhood animals, but the children and residents of the neighborhood as well. We hope to set a precedent for furture issues when if comes to dog on dog violence.
There are no words for how grateful we are to know there are many people who sympathize with our situation and want to help make a difference. I am adding a few of the photots that the vet took with the hope of helping us find justice.
GoFundMe link: Four Legged Justice
Created March 25, 2017
Lisa Topp Semelsberger
Animals
DAYTON, OH
Not only was he attacked by the unleashed dog, he was also attacked by the unleashed dogs owner, and his metal bat. Thus, leading to substantial damage to all over his body. Including broken ribs, bite punctures and gashes from the bat.
Luckily the vet was able to stitch all Brutus's wounds, and take X-rays to prepare us for future issues. To our dismay, the bat used may have caused internal bleeding in his body and to his brain, however we can not afford for him to have a MRI to give us any confirmation.
We are praying he will come through with out anymore issues. Sadly there is a grey area when it comes to the law and dogs, thus not much justice will be brought to Brutus. With the help of go fund me, we hope to be able to pay his $1000 medical bill, along with pursuing with a civil courts case.
There needs to be more done for the safety of not only neighborhood animals, but the children and residents of the neighborhood as well. We hope to set a precedent for furture issues when if comes to dog on dog violence.
There are no words for how grateful we are to know there are many people who sympathize with our situation and want to help make a difference. I am adding a few of the photots that the vet took with the hope of helping us find justice.
GoFundMe link: Four Legged Justice
Created March 25, 2017
Lisa Topp Semelsberger
Animals
DAYTON, OH