(February 2018) In Florida, you can slowly starve a dog to death and Volusia County Judge Bryan Feigenbaum will only make you spend about a month in the county jail

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA -- An Edgewater woman was sentenced to 120 days in the county jail Wednesday after police said she starved her pit bull, which eventually died despite efforts by rescuers to try and save the dog’s life.

Sarah Wells, 37, had originally been charged with FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY in which she faced up to FIVE YEARS IN PRISON if convicted.

Instead, lazy prosecutors and Volusia County Judge Bryan Feigenbaum let her plead "no contest" to the less serious charge of MISDEMEANOR ANIMAL CRUELTY -- essentially the same level of crime as driving without insurance, shoplifting, vandalism and driving without a license. The crime of slowly starving this poor dog to death, in the eyes of the law, is equal to someone stealing a DVD from Walmart.

Volusia County Judge Bryan Feigenbaum adjudicated Wells guilty and sentenced her to 120 days in the county jail followed by 12 months of unsupervised probation based on the plea agreement.

Wells is barred from owning any animals while on probation. But as soon as her one-year probation ends, she is free to get new animals and starve them to death.

So she doesn't get sentenced to state prison, she is only sent to the county jail -- which is much easier and more lenient than a state prison. With jail overcrowding, most inmates are only required to serve 1/3 of their sentence - so this really means she's only been sentenced to 40 days, about a month for the crime of slowly starving her dog to death. 

 

 

Animal abusers will only be deterred from abusing and killing animals when the punishment fits the crime. Also, if you look at Wells' criminal history, you'll see one arrest after another for domestic violence/battery. In fact, she was arrested for bettery AFTER she had been arrested for animal cruelty!!! 

Seems no one in Volusia County cares that she is 100% guaranteed to continue to abuse animals and humans without fear of punishment.

SHAMEFUL:

Volusia County Judge Bryan Feigenbaum is an embarrassment

The case started when police were called Dec. 20 to the Edgewater Animal Shelter, 605 Mango Tree Drive, where they were told that a woman had surrendered a sickly dog the previous day, according to an arrest report.

The woman, later identified as Wells, claimed to shelter staff that the Pit Bull was a stray that had simply walked onto her property, a report stated. But animal shelter staffers were skeptical because the dog was so malnourished that it even wasn’t able to stand up on its own, police said.

Wells subsequently admitted to lying to animal shelter workers, police said. She said the dog named Wiggins had belonged to her and to a man who had lived at the house.

Shelter workers took the dog to Newman Veterinary Center where staff worked to try to save its life. Animal shelter employees renamed the dog Adonis and mounted a social media campaign to help pay for the dog’s care. However, the dog's vital organs had shut down due to the extreme starvation and, despite their best efforts, he died.

“Our sweet Adonis took a serious turn for the worse this afternoon,” the Edgewater Animal Shelter wrote in a Facebook post on Feb. 15. “He passed away surrounded by people that loved him. His body just gave up, he could not overcome the starvation and neglect he suffered.”

 

 

ARREST HISTORY FOR SARAH WELLS:

ARREST DATE: MARCH 26, 2011
Full Name: Sarah Marie Wells
Date:03/26/2011
Arresting Agency: SDPD - SOUTH DAYTONA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Arrest Age:30
Current Age: 36
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthdate: 11/21/1980
Block: 500 Reed Canal Rd
City: South Daytona, Florida 32119
Charges
#1 BATTERY (DV = DOMESTIC VIOLENCE)

ARREST DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2011
Full Name: Sarah Marie Wells
Date:11/14/2011
Arresting Agency: EWPD - EDGEWATER POLICE
Arrest Age:30
Current Age: 36
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthdate: 11/21/1980
Charges
#1 DOMESTIC BATTERY

ARREST DATE: JANUARY 9, 2013
Full Name: Sarah M Wells
Date:01/09/2013
Time: 1:59 AM
Arresting Agency: EWPD - EDGEWATER POLICE
Total Bond: $1500
Arrest Age:32
Current Age: 36
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthdate: 11/21/1980
Block: Sandhill Rd
City: Ballybunnion, Kerry
Charges
#1 BATTERY CAUSE BODILY HARM
STATUTE: 784.03(1)(a)2
BOND: $1500

ARREST DATE: DECEMBER 21, 2017
Full Name: Sarah M Wells
Date:12/21/2017
Time: 3:35 PM
Arresting Agency: EWPD - EDGEWATER POLICE
Total Bond: $5000
Arrest Age:37
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthdate: 11/21/1980
Block: 300 Berry St
City: San Francisco, California 94158
Charges
#1 FELONY CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
STATUTE: 828.12(2)(a)
BOND: $5000

ARREST DATE: JANUARY 12, 2018
Full Name: Sarah M Wells
Date:01/12/2018
Time: 12:00 PM
Arresting Agency: VCSO - VOLUSIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Total Bond: $5000
Arrest Age:37
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthdate: 11/21/1980
Block: 300 Berry St
City: San Francisco, California 94158
Charges
#1 BATTERY
STATUTE: 784.03(1)(a)
BOND: $5000

IF YOU LIVE IN THIS AREA, CALL JUDGE FEIGENBAUM'S OFFICE AND LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS SENTENCE:

Judge Bryan A. Feigenbaum
Division 80
125 E. Orange Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL  32114
Phone (386) 257-6074
Fax (386) 248-8136

Volusia County Court Judge Bryan A. Feigenbaum was appointed to the bench in 2010. Before becoming a judge, he was an assistant state attorney for the Office of the State Attorney, Seventh Judicial Circuit. Judge Feigenbaum earned an undergraduate degree from Davidson College and juris doctor from the University of Florida. He currently hears criminal cases and presides over Veterans Court at the Volusia County Courthouse Annex at City Island in Daytona Beach.

(News Journal Online - Feb 22, 2018)

(February 2018) Kentucky: Two Pit Bull spend their morning mauling the faces off of baby and miniature horses

KENTUCKY -- Mid-morning on November 4, 2017, two pit bulls came into our front paddock and attacked our four recently weaned foals and our miniature pony mare.

All five, sustained bite wounds to their faces, legs, necks, and bellies. One foal's injuries were so severe and life threatening that he was transported to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY where he stayed for 10 days and underwent multiple surgeries to piece back the lacerations and bites.

All five horses, survived their wounds, but the vet bills to help save them multiplied quickly. Our current goal of $15,000 will be able to cover the vet expenses. We hope to raise money to help pay for the vet bills and also help pay for the attorney fees to take the dogs' owner to trial. We want to ensure that this will not happen again.

Please help spread the word!

 

 

 

GOFUNDME: Foal Dog Attack
Created February 25, 2018
Missy Jo Hollingsworth
  Medical
  MELBOURNE, KY

COMMENTS:
Michaela Morrison Ward - Good luck getting any money out of them!

We had the dog attack in Butler County a couple months ago and pit and 2 other dogs killed 3 minis and basically the owner got off with a slap on the hand and he apparently was even a known felon! I had a mini attacked and mauled 25 years ago and the judge had the owners pay the 1500 vet bill and the 3000 for cost of filly. That was before judges got weak!

Best of luck for recovery of minis and good luck in court! Hopefully, Hamilton County will have stiffer sentences!

(February 2018) Maryland: Loose pit bull rips King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Hank out of owner's arms and viciously mauls him

MARYLAND -- Hank, a handsome and lovable King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, 13 months old, was viciously attacked and mauled and nearly killed, by a uncontrolled pit bull mix dog, having been pulled out of Tony’s arms.

He was saved from bleeding to death by the hands of Tony pressing on the worst of the puncture wounds to stem the bleeding until reaching the emergency vet for surgery and repairs to the many punctures, including one in the lung, and broken rib.

The funds are needed to help pay for the enormous vet bills already incurred, with more to follow.  Hank is Jill and Tony’s, especially Tony, lovable pal.  He rides everywhere with them on a golf cart, saying hello to everyone with a wag and lick.  Please help them with these growing vet bills.

They are so grateful already for the outpouring of concern and caring from many who know them, and others who have just seen them smiling (Tony) and joyful wagging tail of Hank.  They wouldn’t do this request themselves, but we know the expense will be a burden on anyone, so we would hope all loving pet owners understand to give just a little.  Thank you to everyone in advance for all the support, prayers, and caring given to these devoted pet owners.

Update 1
I just want to thank everyone again for all the support given to Tony and Jill following the vicious attack on their beloved little pal, Hank. Thank you also for all the donations to go towards the large and climbing vet bill. Tony and Jill have been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.

Hank is doing better every day and has to be reminded that he has to continue to take it easy. He will be visiting the vet again later in the week to have his stitches removed. We will be giving another update after that visit. Thank you again on behalf of Tony and Jill and, of course, Hank.

Update 2
Hi, everyone. This is Hank. I’m doing so much better now thanks to my wonderful veterinarian in Eustis, FL. I, along with my mommy and daddy (Jill and Tony), want to thank everyone who donated toward my vet bills, and most especially, for all the prayers and support given for me and my dad and mom.

We are so overwhelmed from all everyone has done. Thanks again and see you around as I ride again in my golf cart with my dad, saying hello. (Mom rides with us sometimes)

Hank says thanks
Help spread the word!

GOFUNDME: Hank’s Veterinarian bills
Created February 26, 2018
Charles Wyckoff Jr
  Animals
  MILLERSVILLE, MD

New Jersey: Boy attacked in the face by his Pit Bull; mother trying to find someone to go get the dog from the shelter so it won't be euthanized

NEW JERSEY -- Nita Gullsri posted on Facebook February 25, 2018 ·

Please help HAWKEYE, I am looking for any rescuer , trainer to take on my 3 year old pit bull mixed.

Last Sunday brandon and hawk were in the bed watching basketball game. Brandon was cheering the game and lean over it hug hawk while he was sleeping. He got startled and bit brandon on his face and required stitches.

Brandon is ok now but I can no longer keep Hawk. He can show aggression toward strangers. Hawk needs sometime to warm up with new people. Brandon’s father wants Hawkeye DEAD!!!

Right now hawk is at bloomfield animal shelter for the ten days quarantine. I have called and emailed so many places but no one is able to help us.
Please help me safe hawkeye.
Please SHARE
HE NEEDS A RESCUE

(February 2018) California: El Cajon Mother Calls for Removal of Pit Bull That Bit Son Twice

CALIFORNIA -- Twice in five months, an El Cajon mother has had to sprint through her yard to reach her son who had been attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull.

Despite the physical and emotional trauma the attacks have caused to her entire family, she could find herself racing to protect her children from the same dog a third time.

“It was a matter of five to ten seconds -- Quick," Llara Sutherland said, describing the moment her son Atreyu was bitten on Monday. "The dog turned and just went.”

Atreyu was in his yard watering plants when he was blindsided by the medium-sized, but extremely muscular dog. He said he heard some barking and thought nothing of it and next thing he knew the pit bull was bolting in his direction.

Bandages on Atreyu's right bicep cover up the scratches and punctures left behind by the dog's fierce grip.

 

 

The first attack happened around Halloween of last year while Atreyu was helping his dad put up yard decorations. Then, he suffered multiple bite injuries to his leg.

Since the most recent attack, the dog is being kept at the City of El Cajon's Shelter.

The city, however, told the Sutherland family that there is a possibility that the pit could be returned to their neighbor's home.

The thought of the dog returning to the block frightens the whole Sutherland family and leaves them questioning how it could even be possible.

“The first time it happened should have been enough," Llara said. "It was enough for me.”

 

 

Llara said both her son and daughter have had to take anxiety medication following the attacks because the dog wasn't immediately removed from the property and its presence scared the kids.

“If the dog can get him it can get me, it can get anyone else in the neighborhood,” Atreyu's sister Crystine said.

Llara said that while the dog was still on the property, she nor her kids felt safe. She said that she had to stand on the porch and watch them pass the house on their walk to school, and in some cases drive them to and pick them up from school herself.

As an owner of two dogs, including one pit bull, Llara said it isn't an issue about breed. Instead, it's an issue about responsible dog ownership and whether or not the city will do the right thing.

“If my dogs attacked a person, a human being, then they wouldn’t be my dogs," Llara said. "It’s just as simple as that.”

The city has told Llara that the dog could return to its owner's property with certain restrictions like a muzzle order.

Llara said she's contacted the city attorney's office and threatened litigation against the city and county if the dog is brought back.

The pit bull is currently under quarantined for 10 days while Animal Services investigates the incidents to determine if it should be considered a dangerous dog.

Why didn't they do this after the FIRST attack???

(NBC 7 San Diego - February 28, 2018)

(February 2018) Pennsylvania: "Little Morgan needs some prayers right now... He was attacked by a pit bull last night"

PENNSYLVANIA -- Mary Kamp shared a post on Facebook February 6, 2018 ·

Ok people little Morgan needs some prayers right now... He was attacked by a pit bull last night. He had surgery today but needs all of our love pray for him tonight and for a fast and painless recovery...

Debbie Phillips Steffy - Sending prayers and hugs to your mom and the dog!??

Melissa Cuestas - We just got word that he made it through the surgery. There was a lot of damage but they repaired it. They are cautiously hopeful. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming. He has a tough road ahead.

  

 

(February 2018) California: "Our dog was attacked by pit bull and survived"

CALIFORNIA -- Oleg Lobykin posted on Facebook February 3, 2018 · East Palo Alto, CA ·

Our dog was attacked by pit bull and survived.

It was not easy to get them separated using garden hose with water and shovel.

For dog lovers with friendly breeds best defense from pit bull is pepper spray. Have one just in case.

Correction: The best defense from a Pit Bull is a firearm.

  

  

  

Note who posted the photo. Back in 2016, Tina Pounds was viciously mauled by a Pit Bull while protecting her grandson from the dog. She has since been "red pilled", as they say, about these kinds of dogs. Her GoFundMe is still open due to the high costs of her lengthy recovery.

Louisiana: Grandma, protecting her grandson, is horribly mauled by pit bull

GOFUNDME: Support for Tina's Recovery