Owenshad originally been arrested on December 6 and charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of only 90 days in jail and an $800 fine.
“The felony charge comes with a much stiffer penalty if the suspect is convicted,” Yahya said.
In addition, Owensis now charged with two counts of driving under suspension and two counts of being a habitual traffic offender. The felony cruelty charge could bring Owens from six months to five years in prison. If convicted of multiple offenses, he may face significantly more time.
Why the shift from misdemeanor to felony charge? There seems to be only one answer. People like you — many, many people like you — used social media, e-mails, letters and phone calls to call for sterner charges for this harrowing crime. Greenville County heard the outcry, took a closer look and seems to have decided stronger charges were warranted.
Want to see how happy and well Andra Grace is now? The Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page has posted this video, as well as many others, so well wishers can keep up with her remarkable recovery. Rescuers were able to recover four of Andra Grace’s puppies as well. They are doing well and will accompany her to their new foster location.
Andra Grace’s puppies, resting before their trip to their new foster home
A Heartwarming Reunion with Two Special Women
Andra Grace had two special visitors on December 19. Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock, the two women who reported seeing Andra Grace being dragged behind the truck, were reunited with her.
According to the Justice for Andra Grace Facebook page, when Kaye and Jennefer saw the pickup truck go by them in the opposite direction, dragging a helpless dog behind it, they turned around to follow it. After the truck sped away without the dog, they searched the roadway until they found her.
Kaye and Jennefer called police and stayed by Andra Grace for the two hours it took for help to arrive. They covered her battered, bloody form with a jacket while trying to soothe her. It might break your heart a little to know that Kaye and Jennefer say poor Andra Grace was wagging her tail as they did what they could to help her.
Kaye Skinner and Jennefer Bullock are reunited with a much recovered Andra Grace
Andra Grace is nowhappily settledin her new foster home, where her two foster parents are both veterinarians. She’s getting a lot of loving care and is well on her way to a contented and satisfying life. Likewise, her now-weaned puppies are in foster homes and can look forward to long, happy lives.
Care2 readers, your signatures on our petition helped turn the tide with respect to the crime committed against this gentle and loving dog. Your outrage, coupled with a deluge of phone calls and e-mails to Greenville County officials, appears to have convinced authorities to take a closer look at this case. Now Roger Owens is charged with a felony. The possible punishment he faces for this heinous act of cruelty is considerably increased.
May justice prevail for Andra Grace and for all abused animals.
On the day after Thanksgiving, two people witnessed something that horrified them — someone in a pickup truck was dragging a helpless dog down the road on a rope. The rope broke, leaving the dog, an emaciated female pit bull, to die by the road. The trail of blood indicated the poor dog had been dragged over a mile. Her injuries were extensive and grievous. Fortunately Animal Control got the dog to an animal hospital, where it is now receiving care and love.
The truck driver has been identified, and reportedly has at least one prior animal cruelty conviction, but incredibly he has only been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in this case.
However, South Carolina law also contains a felony animal cruelty provision applicable to anyone who:
“…tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal or by omission or commission causes the acts to be done…”
Please sign this petition asking 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor W. Walter Wilkins to prosecute this case under the felony provision of South Carolina’s animal cruelty law, rather than as a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor as currently charged.
UPDATE: December 28,OKLAHOMA CITY – It’s a happy ending for a little puppy who was the victim of horrific animal abuse.
We first told you about “Sweet Baby Jones”, the pit bull puppy a few weeks ago. He was found with his ears cut off, left out in the freezing cold when he was just four weeks old.
Puppy recovering well after his ears were cut off & left abandoned
The Bella Foundation and Neel Veterinary Hospital nursed him back to health.
Now, Jones will be adopted by a family from Colorado who works with the organization Stopping BSL, a group that works to stop discrimination against pit bulls.
Members of The Bella Foundation are sad to see him go, but can’t think of a better family to place him with.
“His foster mom took such great care of him. He is doing so well on potty training, he plays well with other dogs.” Jessica McLaughlin said. “He’s going to forget about everything that happened to him before this and he’s going to live a wonderful life.”
Jones has had all of his shots, been neutered and finally had the stitches removed from his ears.
The Bella Foundation brought Jones to their adoption event on Saturday for one last public appearance before he goes home with his new family.
Jones will have two siblings, a chihuahua and another pit bull. The family says Jones will fit right in.
November 29 OKLAHOMA CITY – Staff at The Bella Foundation are trying to find the person responsible for cutting the ears off a 4-week-old pit bull puppy.
Puppy found in freezing cold with his ears cut off!!
The puppy was found wandering around near 23rd Street and I-44.
“He had blood covering from his ears all the way down his neck and even onto his legs. And it was frozen to his fur and was also just stuck to him.” Eric McCune, executive director of Bella, said. “We’re still trying to get it off now because he’s so little, you know, it hurts. And so we’ll probably have to wait a few more days and a few more baths to get the rest of it off of him.”
Today, he is doing better. Tevin Garner with The Bella Foundation is nursing him back to health and giving him a good dose of snuggles.
“It just absolutely breaks my heart to know what he was going through when it happened, to know that he was awake, and you know, just an innocent little puppy being abused like that.” She said.
Recovering well after being found abandoned & his ears cut off
“This little guy, his ears were done with no anaesthetic, nopain killer, probably with a pair of scissors. And then set down and left to heal on his own.” McCune said.
They nicknamed the puppy “Sweet Baby Jones.” Over the next few weeks, the pup will stay on painkillers and antibiotics. Then the vet will reshape and fix what is left of his ears.
Jones is just a small part of an even bigger problem though; they are worried there could be more puppies like him out there.
“I personally have never seen a litter of one puppy, especially pit bull puppies.” McCune said. “Usually there are 7 or 8, sometimes more. And so he probably has brothers and sisters that are in this same situation.”
Now they’re working to save other puppies from suffering the same abuse as Jones.
“All he wants to do is be with people and cuddle despite what other people have done to him.” Garner said.
As soon as Jones is well enough, he will be put up for adoption.
The Bella Foundation believes his litter mates are somewhere in the area of N.W. 23rd Street and I-44 and hope to find them soon.
If you have any information on who did this to Jones or where those other puppies are, call The Bella Foundation at 1-866-318-7387. Tips are completely anonymous.
“WTF…looks like another garden ornament, left to fend for itself; certainly not given food or cared for in any way at all. I hope Molly’s owners feel the full force of the law, they deserve to be starved & have tightened collars embedded in their necks…see how long they would last! I just wish there was a name & image of the owner, because everybody needs to know how cruel this pathetic turd is!”
“Kudos to all who helped & are still helping Molly to overcome her injuries; hopefully it won’t be long before Molly has a new family who lavish her with love & affection!”
December 17, 2013
Molly, a Shepherd cross found near death, is happy and recovering in a foster home after being rescued from a horrifying cruelty situation near Port Hardy.
Dog Literally Skin & Bone…Appalling!!
Although she was found extremelyemaciated, outside, in a deplorable state of neglect, Molly is making a good recovery in the loving care of a foster home.
A gentle soul, Molly is still thin but eating well and gaining weight in her warm, new home, where her personality shines brighter each day.
The BC SPCA cruelty investigations team has forwarded recommended charges toCrown Counsel.
Original story published Dec. 12, 2013
Horrifically emaciated dog, found near death, now safe in SPCA care.
An 18-month-old Shepherd-cross dog named Molly is alive against all odds after being rescued in one of the most horrific cruelty cases ever witnessed by the BC SPCA.
The RCMP in Port Hardy was called out on Nov. 25 in response to a complaint ofanimal cruelty. They discovered the extremely emaciated dog outside on her owner’s porch. “She was in critical condition, non-responsive and shivering, with a collar deeply embedded in her neck,” says Marcie Moriarty, the BC SPCA’s chief prevention and enforcement officer. “The constable immediately rushed Molly to a nearbyveterinary hospital, where staff provided emergency treatment to keep her alive and removed the embedded collar from her neck.”
Embedded Collar
Once stabilized, she was transported toNanaimo where the case was turned over to the BC SPCA for ongoing investigation. After receiving additional life-saving medical treatment, Molly has been placed in the care of an SPCA foster home as she recovers.
“She has gained some weight and is now able to walk, but she is still extremely emaciated,” says Moriarty. “She is getting care around the clock and we are very hopeful that, despite the incredible odds against her, she will make a full recovery.”
Moriarty says it is impossible to comprehend how anyone could allow a dog to slowly, and excruciatingly, starve to death. “We rescue thousands of animals from heartbreaking situations every year at the SPCA, but cases like this are particularly shocking,” she says.
“The fact that Molly has survived is a true miracle and we are so grateful to the RCMP, the veterinary staff in Port Hardy and Nanaimo and all those who have played a role in her rescue and recovery.”
Recovering Well
Molly has a long recovery process ahead and is expected to stay in foster care for several weeks before being placed in a new home.
The BC SPCA is continuing its investigation and will be recommending charges of animal cruelty against Molly’s former owners.
The BC SPCA depends on community donations to fund its cruelty investigations work. To find out how you can make a difference for animals in need, visit spca.bc.ca/donate.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations.
Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
“At last, a much-needed happy ending; kudos Eldad & all at Hope For Paws. I am a protector at Hope For Paws it only cost’s £3 per month. Well worth it for all the work Eldad & Audrey do; for animals in dire need of rescue!”
You may remember Fiona’s rescue by Eldad Hagar ofHope For Paws, from the March 2012 video that has been seen by over 2 million viewers. Finoa was blind, dirty and scared when her rescuers approached her.
Here is the original video of her rescue. Please see the video with Fiona below this one, where she enjoys a visit from her rescuers a few days ago.
The video update on Fiona below shows a beautiful, happy, playful girl who has blossomed and thrives in her forever home. She soaks up the love and attention when she is visited by her rescuers.
Update on Fiona 2013
Published on 26 Jun 2013
To really appreciate this video, please watch Fiona’s original rescue video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJkZXh… – Please share it. There are still a few billions of people who haven’t seen it yet. Thanks 🙂
To read the great article written by our friend Annie Hart and to see a few EXCLUSIVE pictures of Fiona, please click here:http://www.dogheirs.com/billfoundatio…
I am testing a new editing software. If anything looks weird / off / bad sound / bad colour / anything – please let me know in the comment section below.
“Sorry, I’ve been away for several days due to ongoing health problems! I did posts as & when I could, but could never finish them in their entirety, due to pain!! So many posts are not in the date order they should be, & it’s going to get worse, before it get’s better, hence several posts at once! For new followers, please bear with me, I’m waiting on having a morphine pump fitted, to ease my pain; which should enable me to post daily again…fingers crossed!! So please excuse any mistakes, pain affects my ability to notice errors, due to lack of concentration etc.!!”
“It was with great sadness that I came back, to find out Schoep had passed away; even though I didn’t know them personally, his passing, broke my heart! He was indeed a special dog with my kind of very special owner, prepared to do anything to help ease his best friends pain. I followed his story when I first saw a video of John in the water with Schoep; floating, asleep in Johns arms! I hope John finds peace in the knowledge that Schoep’s legacy can help many more dogs & that Schoep is now at peace; due to Johns special care! R.I.P dear Schoep, you will surely be missed by many. But now you can run, free from pain, through the tall grass, jump fallen trees & swim in crystal clear waters; just over Rainbow Bridge”!
Only a month ago we celebrated Schoep’s twentieth birthday. Sadly on Wednesday Schoep passed away.
Over 187,000 people follow Schoep and John on their Facebook page, captivated by the love the two had for each other.
On Thursday John posted “I Breathe But I Can’t Catch My Breath…Schoep passed yesterday.”
Schoep and John’s story has had a significant impact on many. When the picture and their story went viral donations started pouring in from all over the world.
More than enough money came in to give Schoep the best possible care for his arthritis.
John and Schoep’s veterinarian, Erik Haukass, decided to use the rest of the money to help others. They created Schoep’s Legacy Foundation.
The foundation’s goal is to help low-income families care for their animals. To date the foundation has raised over $25,000.
“It could help another 30 or 40Schoeps,” said Haukass.
The Image that captured the hearts of many, which I saved to my pc when I first saw the video! John Hunger taking Schoep swimming to ease his pain! R.I.P
Schoep will be missed by his many fans, and most importantly by John, his best friend of 20 years.
Schoep, The Dog Whose Internet Photo Touched Millions, Dies :(((((((
Published on 19 Jul 2013
The world is mourning with a man who lost his dog Wednesday.
John Unger and his elderly dog, Schoep, became Internet celebrities last summer because of Bayfield, Wis., photographer Hannah Stonehouse Hudson’s photograph of the pair in the waters of Lake Superior. Unger took Schoep into the lake regularly to ease the discomfort of the dog’s arthritis.
People from Texas to Japan to Slovakia gave money to help pay Schoep’s veterinary bills, medications and laser treatments. It gave the faithful companions another year together. Schoep turned 20 on June 15. He died 26 days later. On Thursday, a photo of a paw print in the sand was posted on the Official Fan Page of Schoep and John on Facebook.
Molly was in a tragic car accident with her owner John Philippi late Thursday night.
Sadly Philippi lost his life in the accident but Molly survived, though initially authorities had no idea she had been in the accident. When state troopers discovered the man’s dog was missing they went above and beyond to find the German shepherd.
State Trooper & Molly
Philippi, a 45-year-old Minnesotatruck driver, was driving his truck with Molly by his side late Thursday night. Suddenly, his truck tipped on Interstate 94 in Wisconsin and then was hit by another semi. Philippi was ejected from his truck and died.
When State Patrol officers arrived on the scene of the accident they had no idea that Molly had been involved, she was nowhere to be seen. When they contacted Philippi’s family members about the accident one of his nephews asked about Molly.
A notice went out to all law enforcement officers in the area to be on the lookout for Molly. One state trooper even went door-to-door at nearby homes to ask if anyone had seen her.
“We wanted to find that dog,” said State Patrol Lt. Jeff Lorentz. “We didn’t want it hit by another vehicle.”
Friday morning the State Patrol office received a tip, someone had seen a German shepherd near an exit. The area was searched but Molly wasn’t found. State Patrol officers did not give up though. Later that day, trooper John Vernonstarted walking the interstate in the area of the crash with some volunteers when he spotted paw prints in the snow near the crash site.
Vernon followed the tracks and found Molly underneath a pine tree trying to stay warm. Vernon called out Molly’s name and the dog walked right to him.
Molly had a 6-inch gash on her leg and she let out a yelp when Vernon touched it. Molly is now staying with Philippi’s relatives while she recovers from her leg wound. Once Molly is healed the family will decide who she will stay with permanently.
The family is incredibly thankful to the extra efforts of the State Patrol officers, especially Vernon. Even the State Patrol office recognizes the extra effort Vernon, who has an affinity for dogs, put into the search.
“I don’t think anybody showed more determination than trooper John Vernon,” said Lorentz.
Back in April we brought you the story of Jaris, the Belgian malinoispolice dog that was thrown from a second-story window by a parolee refusing to surrender.
We are please to tell you that the man has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Police had arrived at the Fontana, California home of Brian Bills, who had violated his parole. The woman who answered the door claimed he was not home, but police saw him trying to escape out of an upstairs window. He refused to comply, so a K-9 was sent after him. Jaris lunged toward the man, and using the dog’s forward momentum, Bills propelled him out the window.
“Jaris was not able to stop himself and fell to the concrete below,”police explained.
Miraculously, Jaris survived. But after landing on his head, his nose was bleeding and he was staggering, so he was immediately rushed to an emergency veterinarian. He has suffered some nerve damage between his brain and sinuses, but after spending enough time recuperating, Jaris returned to work.
Bills continued to resist arrest even after Jaris’ shocking plummet to the ground. He was caught and pleaded guilty to one count each of resisting a peace officer and intentional injury to a police dog. Today he was sentenced to three years in prison. Yes, we know – not nearly long enough.
“Somebody must know who this lucky little chap belonged to, you wouldn’t forget a face as adorable as that in a hurry! I’m just so pleased the little guy is on the mend, he deserves a wonderful loving home after what he has been through! Imagine how sick someone is to want to break a dogs legs…not someone you would want to associate yourselves with; eh?? So if anyone thinks they know where he came from. or has any information, please contact the number at the bottom; before they do more than break legs next time!!”
FORT WAYNE – The tiny black dog with giant brown eyes and crazy hair bounds across the room, a flurry of wagging tail, busy nose and a heart three times the size of his body.
Michelle Davies | The Journal Gazette Sawyer, an 18-month-old mixed-breed dog and suspected victim of animal cruelty, is now healed and ready to be adopted.
What a difference a few months makes.
On Jan. 5, the terrier mix, now called Sawyer, was found by a passer-by in the 700 block of 3rd Street suffering from two broken front legs.
The “good Samaritan” who found the tiny dog withblack hair and gray Einstein eyebrows took him to the NortheastIndianaVeterinaryEmergency Speciality Hospital inFort Wayne, where veterinarians found that the dog’s injuries were not like those that would have been caused by getting hit by a car. Officials at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control opened a cruelty investigation.
In the meantime, there was a scruffy little dog to help and the shelter’s Angel Fund was nearly depleted after paying for the puppy’s surgery.
“So many people donated for his care,” said Peggy Bender, community relations and education specialist at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. “Without it, he wouldn’t be where he is today. You can’t use tax dollars for this type of situation.”
Officials said about $4,500 was raised in a week.
Friday, officials announced that Sawyer was ready for adoption, and he showed off the healing power of love. He’s spent about 10 weeks in a privatefoster home.
Shelter officials said that despite his ordeal, Sawyer has been nothing but boundless energy and love. Officials estimate he’s about 18 months old.
“Even with both legs in full casts, he would try to hug you,” said AmyJo Sites, Animal Care & Control deputy director. “The injury didn’t slow him down one minute.”
Bender said she worried at first because Sawyer would bounce up and down on his casts until veterinarians assured her the bones had been repaired with plates and pins and the bouncing didn’t hurt him.
The woman who fostered Sawyer since his surgery – officials asked that her name not be used so she can continue fostering high-profile cases when needed – said it will be very difficult to let him go to his “forever home.”
“He is awesome. He’s an amazing dog,” she said. “He never knew he had broken legs.”
Bender said that while high-profile cases such as Sawyer’s get a lot of attention, it also helps remind people there are many, many other animals that need homes and that when they see cruelty or neglect, they need to report it at 427-1244.
“If you see something, pick up the phone,” Bender said. “We do keep it confidential. Just let us know so we can check it out.”
The cruelty case involving Sawyer remains under investigation.
Much to his surprise, a dog was inside! It was a badly injured miniature pinscher.
The min pin had a large gash in his head, couldn’twalk, and his vision was gone. He was carted off to Clayton VeterinaryAssociates, where it was determined from bruising and swelling to his neck that he had been strangled, in addition to sustaining the blunt force to his skull.
But there s hope for the little dog, who was to be named Beacon. Just this week he took his first steps since his injury on his own. He still has a long way to go, but hopeful technician Janelle Hall says there is still much progress possible.
“We’ve seen a huge improvement,” she said. “He should regain about 70 percent or more of his walking ability.”
Beacon is undergoing a variety of treatments, including laser therapy, antibiotics, pain medications and acupuncture. He will have hydrotherapy, as well as “tender love and care,” to work his leg muscles so he can walk again.
Officials are still searching for the perpetrator of the brutal crime. They were initially informed of his being found in the bin, but were unaware that his injuries were due to abuse and attempted murder. The New Jersey SPCA is investigating.
In the meantime, Beacon, who is between 10 and 12 years old, continues to persevere.
His sad story and remarkable fortitude have already ensnared one lucky dog-lover’s heart, and the potential new owner has applied to adopt him when he is well.
Earlier this week we brought you the story of Lindey, the German shepherd tossed from a bridge in Kansas City.
We are happy to report that Lindey is smiling again after she was able to undergo surgerythanks to a number of generous donors.
Spectators were at a horse showwhen they saw a dog fall over 40 feet from an overpass and land in a parking lot of the arena where the horse show was being held. A snowbank broke her fall, but she was still very badly injured.
Two quick-acting animal lovers sprang into action and rushed Lindey to the Piper Heritage Vet Clinic.
“When dogs fall that far they assume an orientation in space where front legs are coming down first, followed by their head,” said veterinarian Dr. Richard Smith. “We call that a 3-point landing and it’s not very pleasant; when front legs give out and then their chin hits the ground and causes damage to their mouth as well.”
Lindey’s front paws were badly damaged, and her teeth were knocked into her jaw. She also suffered internal injuries.
“She had some blood in her stomach, some compression in her lungs,” Dr. Smith said.
He also said there was evidence of previous abuse, which is not surprising considering she was thrown from a bridge.
Costs for treatment and follow-up care were estimated to be about $10,000. But Lindey’s sad story touched many hearts, and the donations poured in.
“We are so appreciative and grateful of those who share whatever they have to help this girl because she is a sweetheart,” Dr. Smith said.
Lindey, who was named after one of her rescuers, has a long road of recovery ahead before she is ready to be adopted.
“She was clearly propelled,” said Nancy Campbell, president of Missouri German Shepherd Rescue. “She’s still scared and cowers at quick movements.”
DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
You can find out more about me & this blog by reading "ABOUT THIS BLOG" on the menu (when i finish it) lol
PLEASE NOTE.....
Not all of my posts will be current news, or even about animal abuse! I do like to share other animal news, uplifting stories or videos; some that are funny or just touch the heart!
If I have anything to say on any post, you will see it in bold blue writing. I try to remain a lady, but it's hard to contain my anger & emotions at the some of the stories I post; I don’t have a heart of stone, tears stain many articles I write!
Lastly, my apologies for any errors; I am learning whilst posting, so if you find anything that doesn't work or a broken link, sorry, I'm only human!!!!
ABOUT THESE POSTS
I would just like to make readers aware, that I search for stories on the internet; regards animal abuse etc. I copy stories etc. from the internet; assuming these stories are correct at time of publishing. Having said that, sometimes the press get it wrong! So I just want to add that at the time of me posting a news story, I presume all the facts seem present & correct.
Please note....all people mentioned in this blog, are presumed innocent, until proven otherwise, in a court of law.
Error: Please make sure the Twitter account is public.
Flag Counter Added May 2012
Face Book – Please Take Notice
For anyone wishing to connect to me via my Facebook page...PLEASE NOTE, ONLY PEOPLE I ADD AS ANIMAL ADVOCATES CAN SEE MY WHOLE PAGE...I do this out of respect for those friends I have who do not wish to see graphic images, videos or links of animal abuse!
As 99% of my page is animal related; anyone not in the above group of friends; will only see a limited amount of posts!!
DUE TO ANIMAL HATERS...I WILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE WHO CAN PROVE WHO THEY ARE via Facebook, Wordpress, Twitter etc. & WHO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE... i.e. if your Facebook page has absolutely nothing to do with animals, I see no point in joining my page. My Facebook is solely for animal welfare, I am not interested in playing games etc. I don't mean to sound rude but I am not interested in the amount of friends I have, its the quality of those friends that count.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND REQUESTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN. I do not want anyone to be upset by graphic images etc.
My aim is to educate & raise awareness to the horrors animals face, at the hands of humans, every day, around the world!!
We can not hope to achieve better laws, to protect animals, unless we unite as one, to speak up for those who are voiceless!!
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DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS BLOG - SOME PICTURES & VIDEOS CAN & WILL BE VERY GRAPHIC - SO PLEASE, VIEW THIS BLOG AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
STOP ANIMAL ABUSE 
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