Alabama: Already on probation for animal cruelty, Melissa Pate and Daryl Pate charged again after starving, dead horses found

ALABAMA -- Daryl Shane Pate is now in custody according to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

Pate was charged on Tuesday with two counts of cruelty to animals in addition to the seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty initially tied to the case.

Also, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Melissa Ann Pate. She and her husband, Daryl Shane Pate, face animal cruelty charges after dead and neglected horses were found in Tuscaloosa County.

  
Apparently they were both charged with Animal Cruelty back in July. If that's the case, why wasn't anyone monitoring them  - and their animals? Why were they even allowed to have animals?

ORIGINAL STORY:
Several dead horses were found on a Tuscaloosa County property over the weekend, and now an animal cruelty investigation is underway by the sheriff's office.

Tuscaloosa County deputies were called to Elrod Road Saturday after a complaint.

Authorities found several dead horses during the search, officials told CBS 42. Deputies said conditions were so poor that 9 horses and a miniature donkey had to be rescued.

The animals are now being cared for by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, according to spokesperson Jason Powell.

 

 

Daryl Shane Pate, 46, was charged with 6 counts of failure to bury livestock.

After additional investigation, deputies obtained 7 felony arrest warrants for aggravated animal cruelty. Pate is wanted by investigators on the new charges.

Neighbors shared photos with CBS 42 that appeared to show horses kept outside in a small round pen during the recent snow. One man posted photos of the animals to Facebook because he believed them to be malnourished. Other animals appeared to be dead.

"You could see there was two horses laying down there dead that I'd noticed," said Kendell Holman.

Hollman posted the images to Facebook in an effort to bring attention to the issue.

"I got a lot of backlash behind it, doing this whole, don't tell on anybody type of thing, but I mean this position what do you do?" Holman asked.

 

 

When officers responded to the complaint Saturday, Holman recorded officers searching the property and broadcasted what he saw on Facebook Live.

"I wanted to put it in the public's face so somebody had to do something about it," said Holman.

Holman said he and other neighbors have offered help to the property owner before, but did not have any luck.

"A lot of people asked and they tell you to mind your business. We've asked could we help them before, they tell you they don't need your help," said Holman.

Tuscaloosa County deputies said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. It's unclear if anyone else who may have had contact with the animals is under investigation.

 

 

Holman is glad some of the horses were rescued. He hopes people will remember to care for livestock and other animals during the cold.

"It's sickening. I have animals, my animals I make sure they're inside at nighttime, daytime for that matter with it being cold like it is today. It's just sickening. I don't know how anybody could do it," said Holman.

Daryl Shane Pate is wanted by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office. If you see him, call your local law enforcement agency.

(WIAT - January 1, 2018)

California: Animal Control officers found Louis Silva's near death, covered in flies. Instead of taking the suffering animal for help, they left a note and drove away.

CALIFORNIA -- A Smartsville man accused of causing needless suffering to his donkey, which led a veterinarian to euthanize it, appeared in court this month on a felony animal cruelty charge, authorities said.

Louis John Silva, 56, is next scheduled to stand before a Nevada County Superior Court judge on Sept. 14, when he's expected to formally enter a not guilty plea, court records state.

The charge against Silva stems from a May 15 call about his donkey Mariah, Deputy District Attorney James Morris said.

Animal Control officers responded to Silva's property, finding the animal in pain and with flies buzzing around its ears, nose and mouth, he added.

"They recognized the severity of the situation, but they did not do an immediate seizure," Morris said.

Uh, yeah.. they drove away leaving it to continue suffering.

The officers left a note for Silva instructing him to visit a veterinarian. They returned the next day with a veterinarian of their own. That animal doctor had the donkey taken to Sammie's Friends, where authorities chose to euthanize it, Morris said.

Animal Control officers then submitted a report on the incident to the District Attorney's Office, which opted to send Silva a citation letter. Silva appeared in court on Aug. 21 and said he intends to hire his own attorney, Morris said.

"It's still in the beginning stages," the prosecutor said of the case.

(The Union - August 30, 2017)

Arkansas: Everett Compton, Jr., 49, accused of repeatedly raping family's pet donkeys

ARKANSAS -- A Siloam Springs man is accused of sexually abusing a couple’s pet donkeys after he was caught having sex with raping the animals on a game camera set up to catch trespassers, according to Siloam Springs district court documents.

Everett Lee Compton, Jr., 49, was arrested Monday (July 31) in connection with five felony counts of cruelty to animals. Compton also faces four misdemeanor counts of bestiality and criminal trespassing.

The donkeys’ owners told police they’d been having trouble with people harassing their pets on Cheri Whitlock Drive for three years, according to the documents.

The Whitaker family had been talking with police for the past month, and officers had posted extra patrols in the area.

Signs warning against trespassers didn’t solve the problem, so the owners set up a game camera to catch intruders.

The camera captured several images on May 27, June 4 and July 5 of Compton putting a bag over a donkey’s head, getting behind the animal and placing his pelvis against its rear, according to the documents.

However, police apparently weren't able to collect enough evidence that Compton was raping the animals. So the family purchased and installed a security camera to record video and were horrified at what they saw.

Siloam Springs police apprehended Compton on July 16 after he was caught having sex with RAPING another donkey on the same property, according to the documents.

Prior to his arrest, Compton told the officer he had been feeding the donkeys some carrots. When the officer asked Compton if he had been having sex with RAPING any donkeys that night, he answered "No."

The officer then told Compton there were surveillance cameras located around the property, and that he planned to look at the footage.

Compton told the officer he smokes a lot of marijuana, and claimed it made him do "sick things."

He tried to talk the officers out of arresting him, swearing he would "get help" if he was not charged with having sex with RAPING the donkey, according to the incident report.

One family member told the broadcaster: "It just made me sick to my stomach. To know that she couldn’t tell nobody and that she was having to go through this and she couldn’t tell nobody.

"We knew he was there so we could call police to come and check things out."

Compton was being held Tuesday (Aug. 1) at the Benton County Jail on a $5,000 bond. He has a hearing set for Sept. 11 in Benton County Circuit Court.

(newsonline.com - August 1, 2017)

Florida: Ramon Gonzalez, 53, arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty after starving his livestock animals

FLORIDA -- A 53-year-old Sarasota man faces criminal charges after deputies received a tip about two cows “that appeared to be starving.”

An investigation into the complaint led to the discovery of four cows, two horses, a miniature horse and a donkey that were all underweight, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into the condition of Ramon Gonzalez’s livestock began in June after a deputy went to the man’s property in the 300 block of Sinclair Drive to look into the complaint.

The deputy noted the animals appeared to be “severely underweight,” an arrest report said.

Two round bales of hay were observed on the property, but the deputy noted the animals weren’t eating it.

“The hay appeared to be old and looked moldy and of poor quality,” the arrest report said.

A veterinarian was called out to the scene and told the deputy, “This is nothing but lack of groceries, they just need food,” the report said.

When questioned, authorities say Gonzalez claimed he had been suffering from financial difficulties and was living at the location temporarily until he could find more suitable property to house his animals.

Based on the “observations and investigation,” however, Gonzalez was charged with felony animal cruelty and misdemeanor counts of failure to act and failure to provide sustenance, the arrest report said.

Gonzalez was arrested on July 6 and was later released on $2,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office said Gonzalez’s animals were confiscated on June 17 and have since been transferred out for rehabilitation.

Name: Ramon Gonzalez
Address: 340 Sinclair Drive, Sarasota, FL
Birthdate: 08/25/1963

SOME CHOICE FACEBOOK COMMENTS

Heather Lynn Buck - You want to know what makes me sick, reading all of these hurtful comments. Little do you guys know this man right here cares deeply for his animals. He NEVER starved his animals like they claim that he did. They were all taken care of. The horse that is shown was sick prior to him getting the horse, I like how they didn't put that in there. Also don't you realize that the goats that are in picture weren't taken but they added them to the picture yeah because they don't have a reason to take them. If he was such a scumbag why would they leave them there?! Also left was a cat, a turkey, chickens and pigs. You want to know why they took those animals because they can "rehome" and make money off of them. Connect the dots here people. The only reason the police came in the first place was because of a noise complaint from the neighbors regarding the chickens that where on the property. Yes some of the animals where slightly under weight but by no means were they ever starved. He is not a bad guy like you all are making him out to be. And just so you all know he has a young child who love those animals dearly and has been heartbroken for days since they took them. You do not know the whole situation you just read an article and instantly believe. He is a father whose children see what nasty things you are writing. He is a human being who does not deserve to have his name slandered like this. Oh and not to mention when they were gathering all of the animals they couldn't even round them up, he had to put them into the trailer because they were spooked. Those animals love him just as much as he loved them.

Lisa Peluso - Why would any animal be underweight if feed properly???

Heather Lynn Buck - Lisa Peluso, clearly you did not read what I wrote they were sick especially the horse and by the way the horse was the only one that they were mainly concerned about.

Heather Lynn Buck - There was vegetation on the property that's a bunch of lies. Maybe this can shed some light. All the animals were underway and yes because he has a big heart he did get them and trie to get them back up to wait it was very difficult they bounce back-and-forth. And yes a vet was called too by the way another thing that wasn't mentioned.

Heather Lynn Buck - Wendy Ottati-Watson, i'm so sorry to even hear about that. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. it's such a shame that they do this to good people but don't go after the bad ones who are actually hurting, starving and depriving their animals. Completely bogus

Note: Wendy Ottati-Watson and her husband Benjamin Watson were just charged with animal cruelty, also accused of starving their horses. Wendy must have deleted her comment b/c it's not appearing.

Amanda Gonzalez Salazar - The comments made are more despicable against a human being than what they are charging Ramon with. You all know nothing about him. He is a hard working man who is in remission of stage four Cancer. These animals bring him and his daughter joy. He had been consulting a Vet who recommended meds that were given. This man was renting a 5 acre farm from a lady in foreclosure. When the renter lost her farm, He and his family, four legged ones included, had to take refuge at a friends place until he could get on his feet to get a place for all. Yes, it's true they only took the animals with the most value (pedigree ponies) and left him with his goats, chickens and pigs. He has a trailer stocked with hay and food. They were not left without food. Get your story straight before commenting your sick and demented thoughts.

Heather Lynn Buck - Lisa Peluso, it's just another way for them to make money 😂

Lisa Peluso Heather - Lynn Buck how are they making money?

Heather Lynn Buck - Lisa Peluso, rehoming fee basically a fancy word for selling the animals. Also it makes a good story and people need to reach quotas. There is a multitude of different reasons. They go after families that have animals on property they won't go after the big dairy farms or farms thar carry other livestock as they know that they're well-equipped with money to get a nice fancy lawyer to prove otherwise they're not stupid

Amanda Fillmore Martin - That horse and those cows were not slightly underweight. They are starving. The county doesn't make a profit rehoming animals. Stop looking for conspiracy everywhere.

Christine Manjuck Peterson - That's a lot of emaciated animals to have "just gotten" them.

Roxie N Cary - A trailer stocked with food??? And those animals looked like that!!! Are you serious? I own 8 horses....8!!! That area alone he had them in is so far beyond acceptable.
Where is the hay roll.... where is the water..... I just can't even imagine.
This makes me sick.
Then for someone to make excuses for him...its beyond ignorance

Amanda Fillmore Martin - The county doesn't make a profit rehoming animals. They work to protect the animals.

 

(Sarasota Patch - July 11, 2017)

Florida: Mama donkey and her baby attacked by unknown animal; baby donkey killed

FLORIDA -- Martin County Sheriff's Office‏ @MartinFLSheriff posted on Twitter June 16, 2017

Mother and baby donkey attacked by unknown animal. Baby donkey killed.

MCSO urges Palm City Farms animal/livestock owners to remain alert.

Montana: Puppy mill breeder Cathie Warren, 62, owner of "Adonai Rare Poodles" found guilty of animal cruelty

MONTANA - A Libby woman was recently found guilty of several animal cruelty charges after authorities shut down her puppy mill last summer.

A Lincoln County jury found Cathie Iris Warren, 62, guilty of three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and six additional counts of animal cruelty on April 20.

Lincoln County law enforcement agencies seized 120 animals -- including more than 50 dogs -- in what they suspect to be an illegal puppy mill business in August of 2016.

Donkeys, horses, birds and cats were also seized in the raid.

 

Warren aka Odegaard posted this photo saying 
there was nothing wrong w/this donkey other
than it needing a hoof trim

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Animal Care and The Humane Society of the United States say the dogs discovered at Adonai Rare Poodles were found to be living in "deplorable conditions" and suffered from various medical issues.

 

Cathie Warren (aka Cathie Odegaard, Cathie Odegaard Warren, Cathie Warren Odegaard, Cathie Iris, Cathie Soles, Cathie Schumacher, Katrina Schumacher) will be sentenced June 5.

Warren was very vocal initially, mocking law enforcement and claiming it was all false and that she would be exonerated and then she would sue everyone involved. Hmm...

 

 

(KBZK - May 1, 2017)

Earlier:

• Montana: More than 120 animals rescued from Cathie Warren's suspected puppy mill
• Montana: Animal cruelty charges filed against dog breeder Cathie Warren
• Montana: Background info on Cathie Warren aka Cathie Odegaard, Cathie Odegaard Warren, Cathie Warren Odegaard, Cathie Iris, Cathie Soles, Cathie Schumacher, Katrina Schumacher

Florida: Starving horses and donkey rescued from cruelty situation in Indiantown

FLORIDA -- Martin County Sheriff's deputies are involved a case of animal cruelty in Indiantown after 11 horses and one donkey were surrendered by the owners.

 

The sheriff's office wrote in a Facebook post Monday that the horses were surrendered and the owner is cooperating with law enforcement.

Deputies say the horses are in poor health condition. No charges have been filed.

   

  

(CBS12 - May 1, 2017)

Illinois: Lucas Dietrich, 18, thinks it's funny to abuse animals and post videos of it on Twitter. Police tracked him down and charged him with animal cruelty

ILLINOIS -- A Collinsville teen was jailed for allegedly punching a defenseless, sweet donkey in her face. He recorded the punch on his phone and posted the video to Twitter, police said.

Police and prosecutors made a point to show they were taking the case seriously. The suspect, 18-year-old Lucas Dietrich, had to post $5,000 to be released from jail Friday.

Police got a tip about the tweet and a good idea where it happened from the video. They also had a good idea who did it: the guy who tweeted it.

“It is abusive. It’s very concerning for us, because when you see the fist strike the donkey’s face you can actually hear the hard, echoing sound striking the skull of the donkey,” said Major Brett Boerm, Collinsville Police Department.

Five days after the crime, it seemed as if it never happened for the donkey, a 13-year-old miniature Mediterranean donkey named Amore.

“I just am appalled that someone would do that to any animal or even to any person. These are loving animals. They shouldn’t be treated like that whatsoever,” said Mark Kosmetka of Willoughby Farm, where Amore lives.

 

The incident happened Sunday, Kosmetka said.

Willoughby Farm is part of the Collinsville Area Recreation District and open to the public. People can reserve the grounds for weddings, parties, and special events.

Dietrich was a guest at a birthday celebration when he allegedly gave Amore a swift punch below her right ear, Kosmetka said.

 

“I don’t know what his motive was at that time, other than I think just a young man making a very poor decision,” Boerm said.

“Amore’s doing fine, she’s eating. She’s back with people. She loves to be around the kids. She’s doing very well,” Kosmetka said. “She’s getting all kinds of attention. We have lots people coming—in the rain if you can imagine—coming just to see her because of this.”

 

Dietrich is charged with one count of cruel treatment of animals and one count of depiction of animal cruelty. Both are misdemeanors. His bail was set at $50,000.

He’s also been banned from Willoughby Farm.

YOU KNOW WHO ELSE STARTED OUT ABUSING ANIMALS FOR FUN?

 

(Fox2 - March 31, 2017)

Michigan: Olvydas Abromavieius, 50, shot and killed a donkey while arguing with his girlfriend

MICHIGAN -- A Michigan man was arrested Sunday for fatally shooting a donkey in the head during an argument with his girlfriend, officials said.

La Porte County deputies responded to a Wilhelm Road home in Indiana after 9 p.m. to a domestic abuse call where they found 50-year-old Olvydas Abromavieius (also spelled Olvydas Abromavicius) and his girlfriend engaged in a drunken argument.

The woman claimed Abromavieius physically abused her, and as deputies investigated the home, they discovered a donkey on the property in distress.

A 5-year-old donkey named Jack was bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to the head near his left eye, officials said.

La Porte County Small Animal Shelter director Jane Bernard offered assistance and called a veterinarian to treat the donkey, officials said.

The donkey died at the scene before medical assistance arrived, officials said.

Abromavieius was taken to a nearby hospital for having a blood alcohol level of .3 %.

He was then booked on domestic violence and animal cruelty charges with a $1,505 cash bond at La Porte County jail.

He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

(NY Daily News - Jan 2, 2017)

United Kingdom: People demanding church stop using donkeys at their Christmas nativity scene saying it's "unnecessary exploitation" of animals

UNITED KINGDOM -- More than 1,000 people have demanded a church nativity stops using real donkeys, claiming it is cruel.

They have signed a petition, saying the festive event is “unnecessary exploitation”.

Donkeys Kim and Robin have been included in celebrations outside Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cardiff for six years.

But animal welfare campaigner Peter Carroll said: “This is totally anachronistic animal exploitation for tawdry and vulgar advertising of the worst kind.

“These donkeys are exposed to the busy city Christmas rush in a tiny stall, with many people constantly touching them.

“This is nothing like their proper habitat where they can be comfortable without unnecessary stress.”

Rev Denzil John insists the donkeys are well cared for, warm and have ample space.

He said: “Each year 5,000 people have valued the drama and far more have been pleased to see the donkeys.”

Rev John, minister at the church for 25 years, said: “The wording of the petition is inaccurate and unfortunate in that the two donkeys are well cared for, warm and fed with ample space.

“They are never on their own with their carers invariably with them in the enclosure.

“Children are encouraged to touch the donkeys under supervision, and both animals appear to enjoy the attention that they receive.

“As a church, we support animal rights and would do nothing that might cause distress to any animal in any circumstances.”

Donkey keeper Sally Humble-Jackson said: “The donkeys are never left alone, that is our rule.

“They have a very generous amount of space and can go into the shelter where they can’t be accessed by the public.

“But they voluntarily come to the front. They enjoy human interaction.”

(The Sun UK - Dec 13, 2016)