Police: Irate Tacoma Man Kicks Dog So Hard, He Killed It

By KOMO Staff Published: Jan 24, 2015 at 2:03 PM PST Last Updated: Jan 24, 2015 at 3:42 PM PST

TACOMA, Wash. — Police say a 32-year-old Tacoma man became so enraged during an argument with his girlfriend that he killed his dog.

Nicholas James Tresness is facing animal cruelty charges for allegedly kicking his pet Chihuahua so hard that the dog died, according to Loretta Cool with the Tacoma Police Department.

This is not the dog killed, this is my little chihuahua Stanley ( just to show how big this breed is)

Tressness, who lives with his mom in the 8400 block of South Ainsworth Avenue, got into an argument with his girlfriend on the phone at about 6 p.m. on Friday. When he hung up the phone, he was so angry that he kicked a highchair and broke a coffee cup, according to Cool.

Tressness stormed into his room, and his pet Chihuahua, Duke, followed him. Cool said Tressness then kicked Duke hard enough to kill the dog.

When police arrived at the house, Tressness allegedly told the officers he has an anger problem and he didn’t mean to kill the dog. He was arrested and booked into Pierce County Jail for investigation of several charges, including animal cruelty.

News Link:–http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Police-Irate-Tacoma-man-kicks-dog-killing-it-289685551.html

Abandoned Thoroughbred, Defense Team, rescued by South Florida SPCA

“I would be first in line to pick up this stunning mare, how anyone could just abandon her is beyond my comprehension; there is no & never will be, a good enough excuse for this cruel crime, whilst animal organisation exist to help!. But a former race horse that costs thousands, then doesn’t race well, is more than often sent to slaughter or abandoned! I hope they find whomever she belonged to; then proceed with criminal charges! Then I hope Defense Team gets a forever home & is loved for the rest of her life!!!”

MIAMI, FL (February 17, 2014)

 Defense Team, a Thoroughbred gelding, was rescued today by South Florida SPCA. Laurie Waggoner, SFSPCA director of ranch operations, received  a mid-morning call from a Hialeah farmer who reported the former racehorse wandering along a road near one of his pastures, and that he looked “really bad…really skinny.” Waggoner and members of the Hialeah police department found the horse ambling roadside, eating grass.

If you’d like to donate toward the care of Defense Team, please visit http://www.spca-sofla.org/donate/donate-now and indicate that it is for Defense Team at checkout.

“His body condition score is a 1,” said Waggoner, referring to the lowest score on the Henneke System of Body Condition Scoring (view chart.) Fortunately, Defense Team does not appear to be lame or have any other major issues or injuries. He will receive routine vaccinations and a Coggins test, along with farrier attention to his hooves which appear to have been neglected for some time.

The horse’s tattoo number matched that of Defense Team, and SFSPCA learned he was foaled in Florida on April 6, 1999. He was purchased in Ocala, FL for $6,000, and raced only once at Calder on December 28, 2001 where he finished 11 out of a field of 12. (View pedigree.)

I will never comprehend why humans can throw animals out like trash; or just abandon them….heartbreaking!!!

Waggoner noted Defense Team seemed very happy to be found, loaded easily on her trailer and was welcomed to the SFSPCA ranch in Homestead with a nice, safe stall and a tasty flake of hay.

If you’d like to donate toward the care of Defense Team, please visit www.spca-sofla.org/donate/donate-now and indicate that it is for Defense Team at checkout.

Report horses or other large livestock animals that appear to be abandoned, abused or neglected. Call 911 for emergencies, or 305-4-POLICE (Miami-Dade, FL) for non-emergencies.

News Link:–http://www.spca-sofla.org/abandoned-thoroughbred-defense-team-rescued-by-south-florida-spca/

GRAPHIC IMAGE: Horse starved in Citrus County; animal lovers appalled

“How the hell could she let the mare get so bad & not ask for help or advice as to why the horse wasn’t gaining weight? Any real horse owner knows’ that teeth need to be filed down at least once a year! I get my horse done twice as it doesn’t take long for a tooth to start irritating the gum due to being sharp or hooks to cause pain, which will stop the horse eating properly. How come it took until it was on it’s last legs before someone noticed it? Was it locked away where nobody could see it? I just can’t fathom why nobody spoke up earlier, perhaps then the mare may have stood a chance! Sod falling out with neighbours; when an animals life is in danger, you speak up!! Didn’t the previous owner see it’s condition going down? So many questions because this just shouldn’t happen in this day & age!”

Floral City, Florida – “I cried her name, I said, ‘Mary, Mary — how could they do this to you?'” says a sobbing Cheryl Pence. 

She’s talking about Mary, an Arabian mare she used to own. She saw Mary again Thursday afternoon, right before she died.

When animal control officers arrived at the horse‘s current home near Floral City, Mary was down on the ground, too weak to stand — simply a breathing carcass.

“Deplorable, emaciated, there’s really not a term for it — it’s beyond emaciation,” says Animal Control Officer Terry Funderburk of the horse’s condition.

PHOTOS: Severely neglected horse euthanized, woman arrested **WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES**

The horse’s owner, Tammi Kampman, was arrested and faces an animal cruelty charge. A vet says the mare’s teeth were so uncared for, that she could not physically eat.

Kampman was arrested on one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty after a severely emaciated horse was euthanized. WARNING: Graphic photos

“It had no way to process the food put in front of it,” explains Animal Control Supervisor Lora Peckham. “It literally starved to death, because of a lack of medical care.”

The arrest report indicates that over the past year people in this rural neighbourhood, including other horse owners, had offered to help the family. And Pence, who had given the family Mary four years ago so their girls could ride, begged to get Mary back.

“I said, ‘but if you can’t take care of her, I can take her back. I’m happy to take her back; I love this horse,'” Pence says.

But according to Citrus County Animal Control, no one called them to report the neglected horse. Some residents told investigators they didn’t want to cause hard feelings in the neighbourhood and Pence thought someone else had picked up the phone. “In situations like this I would rather fall out with a whole bloody City; than not report a suffering animal!”

When 10 News knocked on the mobile home’s door today, we were told to go away, so we don’t know why this horse was allowed to suffer for so long. However, we did see several cars at the house and a bass boat out back.

“She took no action to get a vet on property,” said Peckham.

Yet, because there isn’t an indication of “intentional abuse”, Peckham explained that state law allows only a misdemeanor charge. Kampman bonded out of jail on Thursday. “Perhaps not intentional abuse but the owner isn’t blind, she saw the state of the horse & didn’t get a vet out….I call that intentional negligence, which should be accountable for as it is clearly animal abuse to leave a horse in that condition!” 

Mary was so far gone she had to be euthanized and her former owner is now left with photographs of better days and a gnawing guilt.

Appalling, horse starved to death

“She’s in horse heaven and she’s not suffering,” says Pence. “But I will never do that again. I will never give away a horse again.”

Animal Control Officers say it’s important for people to officially report animal abuse or neglect. And if owners find themselves in a situation where they don’t have the money, time, or will to properly care for animal, officials urge owners to ask county agencies or area rescue groups for help.

News Link:-http://www.wtsp.com/rss/article/328282/8/Horse-starved-in-Citrus-Co-animal-lovers-appalled

Grandma Accuses Granddaughter of Kicking Dog To Death

“WTF…How on earth can this girl not face charges of animal cruelty? At 14 years old she knew what she was doing, therefore should face the consequences. If nothing is done, expect to here more animal abuse cases, involving this girl!!”

Police in Ypsilanti, Mich., have opened an investigation into a possible case of animal cruelty following a woman’s report that her dog was killed on Sunday night, reported Monday’s Ann Arbor.com.

Few details have been released about the incident, but enough is known that it appears that family tensions are likely to be running high as the animal cruelty allegations are against the dog owner’s own granddaughter.

The dog, who is referred to as a puppy in the police report, was allegedly kicked to death by the 14-year-old granddaughter of the woman who owned the pup.

According to the report, the girl may not face charges. The police are, however, speaking to the family about what happened.

News Link:–http://www.examiner.com/article/grandma-accuses-granddaughter-of-kicking-dog-to-death?CID=examiner_alerts_article

Local Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty

A High Point woman has been charged with animal cruelty according to the Randolph County Health Department.

Mimi Cooper, public health director, confirmed that Donna Burkhart, of 1205 Blain St. in High Point, has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She also faces a felony cruelty to animals charge from March.

Cooper said Burkhart housed her animals on Kimery Lane in Liberty and the animals were in poor conditions without food and water. “We started getting calls about these horses years ago,” Cooper said. “When we would go, the horses looked fine.

When we would contact Burkhart she would tell us that she fed and watered her  horses.” Cooper said in March that all changed. “One of our officers was there checking out a complaint and we found two donkeys in horrendous condition,” Cooper said.

One donkey had a halter that apparently was put on when he was young and had never been taken off. According to Cooper, he was not socialized and could not be touched by humans.

The other donkey had not had his feet trimmed in at least a year, according to Cooper.
“It’s very painful to have to walk on and it’s like walking on your fingernails,” she said.

According to Cooper, Burkhart surrendered both of the donkeys to the health department, a vet was called out, and the team sedated the donkey with the embedded collar.

“He was so stressed and in such poor condition that he died while we were giving him sedation,” Cooper said. “The other one we brought back to the shelter, had his feet fixed and found him an adoptive home.”

Cooper said that they continued to monitor the other horses that Burkhart had on the property. They received a call one day that the horses were without food and water.
After leaving a note and trying to call Burkhart, Cooper said she went to the Randolph County District Attorney and the Magistrate’s Office to get a warrant to seize the seven remaining horses on the property.

“Three of the horses are in very poor condition and the other three are in okay condition,” Cooper said.
She said that she does not know when Burkhart will go to court on the charges. Burkhart could not be reached for comment Thursday.

News Link:–http://www.hpe.com/news/local/x1065839475/Local-woman-charged-with-animal-cruelty

Video: Emaciated Horse Seized; Owner Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

“To all owners of horses or any other animal for that matter…if you can’t feed or treat any injury they have…PLEASE tell your local animal shelter; so that they can try to help you out before it gets too late!! If you don’t, then just do us all a favour & go take a long walk off a very short pier; because you are using up valuable tax payers money to get you prosecuted!! Seriously…there is no excuse or shame in opening your gobs & asking for help, that’s presuming you actually care about animals, in the first place!!”

Animal control officers seized a horse Monday that they said was starving and had no water.

They were alerted to the animal’s plight after a woman reported finding it wandering in the road late Friday, near the intersection of McCarver Street and Eastman Road.

Nancy Garwood noticed the paint horse as she returned home from work about midnight.

The horse lover keeps tack in the trunk of her car, so she stopped, got a lead rope and approached the frightened animal.

“I got out and he let me carry him with the rope,” Garwood said.

She called police who helped take the stallion back to the property located in the 200 block of McCarver Street.

Emaciated Horse Seized In Longview

Published on 3 Jun 2013

Animal control officers seized a horse from its owner in South Longview Monday afternoon.

“That horse escaped to tell us his story,” Garwood said. “He escaped to tell us he was back here with no food and no water.”

Richard Fincher, executive director for Safe Haven Equine Rescue Center, said the horse had been tied to a tree without feed, grass, shelter or water and was severely underweight.

“He’s got a body weight of one. On a scale of one to nine, that’s about as low as you can go without death,” Fincher said.

He said the horse would be taken to a veterinarian for a medical examination.

Fincher and Garwood estimated the horse to be about 10 years old, and Fincher said it is not clear how long it had been since the horse had been fed.

Garwood said finding the horse created a bond — one she hopes will lead to her adopting the animal.

“Once he is rehabilitated and they put weight on him and get him his shots, I would love to take him, she said.

But Fincher said Safe Haven Equine Rescue operates under a rule that prevents them from placing animals in homes in the same county in which the animal was seized.

James Crittenden, an investigator with the Gregg County District Attorney’s office, did not release the owner’s name.

He said the DA’s office was preparing to file a charge of animal cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor.

“We’ve got two bad situations here. The condition of the horse and he was out in the road where he could’ve caused a terrible accident,” Crittenden said.

“He got out because he was searching for food and water.”

Shane Johnson, who was visiting a neighbor nearby, said he didn’t know the name of the horse’s owner but had seen the owner with the horse Monday morning.

“They feed him, but they don’t give him enough, I can tell you that,” Johnson said. “I’ve fed his horse myself. I’ve given him a whole bale of hay.”

Johnson said he didn’t notice the horse’s condition since the last time he fed him and never contacted authorities.

“That horse turned him (the owner) in when he went down there on Eastman Road,” Johnson said.

Crittenden said cases involving neglected horses are not common but it happens frequently enough that his office makes sure people know they will be charged if they do not take care of their animals.

“These cases will be prosecuted,” he said.

News Link:-http://www.news-journal.com/news/local/emaciated-horse-seized-owner-faces-animal-cruelty-charges/article_6eae0ce5-8a79-5e0c-b793-ca61c302a0d2.html

Camden Dog Owner Arrested for Starving Dog To Death: Laineys Story

ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. — The owner of a dog that died earlier this week from starvation is now facing charges.

Starved Dog Died

Ian West, 25, was arrested by the sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit on a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. His dog, Lainey, was rescued on Friday from his home in Camden. Officials say the dog was left outside without food or water for months.

Lainey was an Australian shepherd mix, a breed which normally weighs about 45-50 pounds. But when she was found, they say she only weighed 15 pounds and was so weak, she could barely stand.

Lainey died Monday after being taken to the Rome Humane Society.

Two Rottweiler mix puppies were also taken from the home.

West was arraigned in the Town of Camden Court and is being held on $5,000 bail.

News Link:–http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/665798/camden-dog-owner-arrested/

Rome Humane Society officials say they take in at least one abused animal a month. Some who have been beaten, others neglected. But this past weekend, workers at the Humane Society say they saw one of their saddest cases yet, when an extremely emaciated dog came through their door and died from her injuries. Our Cara Thomas tells us Lainey’s story and what local animal lovers are doing to make sure the abuser is brought to justice.

ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. –“Lainey was pure, unadulterated love with everything she was going through, she always wanted to lick your hand and cuddle in your arms,” said Kim Strong, an animal behaviorist and trainer.

Lainey Starved To Death

Abused and neglected, Lainey, an Australian shepherd mix, was found last Friday at a home on Babcock Road in Camden. She was without food, without water and was only skin and bones.

Rome Humane Society’s Director Sarah Starczewski said, “You could put with one hand, your whole hand would fit finger to finger around her neck and around her stomach and waist area.”

Rescued by an Oneida County Sheriff’s deputy and the Camden dog control officer, officials say she was so weak she couldn’t even hold up her head. People involved in Lainey’s rescue believe she had been starved for months.

“He would get out of his truck every day and walk past Lainey to get into his home knowing that this dog was starving. Crying, Lainey eating stones and grass to try to survive. He was very aware of what was going on with her,” said Starczewski.

They took Lainey to the veterinarian, put her on a very strict diet and provided around the clock care, but that wasn’t enough. On Monday morning, Lainey died from starvation.

“It wasn’t her time to go. She was forced onto the rainbow bridge because nobody cared enough to stop this man,” says Strong.

The people involved in Lainey’s rescue say their biggest worry is that her abuser may get away with it as animal cruelty laws aren’t as simple as some may think.

Strong explains, “The laws are a part of the Department of Agriculture. They’re extremely confusing and most people aren’t trained in them. We don’t have an Oneida County animal control officer.”

Animal advocates say it’s time for social change. They say animal cruelty laws aren’t on the animal’s side and normally these cases are pushed under the rug. So they’re reaching out to local legislators hoping to change these laws for the better.

“We need to be fighting in her name. There needs to be a Lainey’s Law so this never happens again,” said Strong.

Officials from the Oneida County Sheriff’s office say animal cruelty charges are currently pending.

A Justice for Lainey Facebook Page has been set up.

News Link:-http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/665463/seeking-justice-for-lainey/

Monday was Lainey’s Day for Humane Society

Animal rights advocates in Oneida County are starting a new push for tougher laws against animal abuse. YNN’s Andrew Sorensen tells us the story of one dog who inspired thousands of people to stand up for the cause.

Human Society Never Forget Lainey

ROME, N.Y. — Everything from the flowers to the candles is technically for Lainey.

“They’re supposed to show Lainey that we’re all standing here for her,” said advocate Kim Strong.

“Today we’re honoring a life cut short. Lainey’s Day,” Humane Society of Rome Operations Manager Sarah Starczewski said.

“Lainey’s story is the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Strong.

Strong has taken in abused dogs before. Her dog, Sapphir,e was starved down to 19 pounds before she took him in. But this one was different.

“That kind of gentleness out of a dog that was tortured for so long broke the camel’s back for me,” she said. Lainey was found in Camden on May 17th. “I have not to date seen a dog that was starved to that point,” said Starczewski. She ended up with Starczewski at the Humane Society of Rome.

“When she would go outside, because she would want to go outside to go to the bathroom, she had to be held by someone underneath so she could actually walk without falling over,” Starczewski said.

Lainey died and her owner was charged with felony animal cruelty. But Starczewski said too often, those charges don’t stick. “It shouldn’t be okay or even looked over to do what you did to an animal and just get a slap on the wrist,” she said.

So Lainey’s death sparked a new flame. “I decided to tell her story to Facebook and we got so many people that care. Because the story was real and it’s unconscionable,” said Strong.

“Now we have over 3,000 people that are supporting this,” Starczewski explained. They’re starting with a memorial and an award to honor Lainey and rescuers. “The candles are supposed to light the way for change,” Strong said.

Strong also said she doesn’t think that alone will change people who do these kinds of things. “No. But it’s a beginning,” she said. Their ultimate goal is stiffer felony penalties to make sure those people are held accountable.

The Humane Society of Rome says they plan to give out the award on a regular basis to someone who has been a hero or a guardian to animals in the community.

News Link:–http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/667518/monday-was-lainey-s-day-for-humane-society/

Puppy Left For Dead Both Hind Legs Shot, Bill Aims To Crack Down On Animal Cruelty

“WTF…if anybody knows the callous, cruel hearted bastard that did this; please contact the number below…do everybody a favour & get the psycho off the streets & in jail; for a very long time…with both his kneecaps blown off!!”

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (WTXL)—Wakulla County deputies are trying to figure out who left a puppy on the side of the road after being shot in both of his legs.

Zeke weighed only 18 pounds when he was found abandoned and left to die. He should weigh twice that much. Meanwhile Zeke will have to get stronger before he is strong enough to undergo surgery to repair one of his legs and possibly amputate the other. Credit: Friends of Wakulla County Animal Control/Facebook

Florida lawmakers just passed a bill this past legislative session aiming to crack down on this.

Wakulla County animal officers say its not uncommon for pets to be dropped off on the side of the road, but they say they’ve never found one that’s been shot.

Its the sound of pain and agony from a nearly four-month old golden shepherd that has Wakulla County Animal workers on a mission to find out who abandoned him.

“It was a very heinous, heinous act, shooting a malnourished dog,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Dr. Reed Guhrt has been treating the puppy they named Zeke since animal shelter found him shot in both of his legs last Thursday.

Zeke weighed only 18 pounds when he was found abandoned and left to die.

“There’s a possibility that this leg will have to be amputated because pieces of his bones are just missing, there are no bones left,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Zeke was also covered with ticks and fleas when they found him. Dr. Guhrt says he was shot with a high caliber gun and now he can barely walk.

“The dog obtained some serious injuries and somebody caused it to an animal and didn’t have any respect to an animal life,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Its tragic incidents like this that prompted Florida lawmakers to unanimously pass tougher animal cruelty laws, that may carry fines of up to $10,000 and or misdemeanor and felony charges. Governor Rick Scott hasn’t signed the bill, but it would take effect on July 1st if he signs it or allows it to become law without his signature

Mark Carter, a Wakulla County animal control officer says they support the law hoping it will take effect this summer.

“Hopefully when you toughen up on animal cruelty or animal abuse or animal neglect maybe that puts something in their minds that says, hey I think to think twice before I do this,” said Carter.

Who harmed zeke is still a mystery but Dr. Guhrt says the good news he’s on his way to recovery.

Zeke weighed only 18 pounds when he was found abandoned and left to die. He should weigh twice that much. Meanwhile Zeke will have to get stronger before he is strong enough to undergo surgery to repair one of his legs and possibly amputate the other. Credit: Friends of Wakulla County Animal Control/Facebook

“Everyday he’s coming to the office he appears to be doing better and better,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Wakulla County animal control officers say if know of any animals being abused or know anything about this particular case you’re urged to contact them or the sheriff’s office.

Also, the Crawfordville Animal hospital is accepting donations for Zeke. Call 850-926-2089.

News Link:–http://www.wtxl.com/news/puppy-left-for-dead-bill-aims-to-crack-down-on/article_7101fbfa-cd62-11e2-b7e7-001a4bcf6878.html

Photo credits:-http://www.examiner.com/article/shepherd-puppy-found-shot-back-legs-slowly-recovering-at-rescue-florida

Facebook

We’ve reached our initial online goal of $1,500! We’re so thankful to have gotten this much – no one expected it to be honest. Most of us saw it as a shot in the dark. This will pay for the medical bills we’ve accrued thus far with Zeke. Thank you for the bottom of our hearts.

We will still be accepting any and all donations given his surgeries will be quite extensive and costly. You can continue to donate at http://igg.me/at/savezeke/x/2804692 , through PayPal at Cauzican.org, through mail by check or money order mailed to Cauzican Care, Inc. 245 Kenneth Circle, Crawfordville, FL 32327, or can be phoned in directly to Crawfordville Animal Hospital at 850-926-2089.

Zeke Facebook Page:–https://www.facebook.com/CauzicanCare

Zeke is at Wakulla County Animal Control after suffering gunshot wounds. He can’t walk and needs surgery to save his leg. Help cover his medical expenses.

Help Save Zeke:-http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-save-zeke–2?c=activity

Pastor’s Animal Cruelty Trial Draws A Crowd

The misdemeanor trial of a pastor charged with animal cruelty in the death of a cat drew a crowd of 25 onlookers Monday, overshadowing the Bastrop County commissioners meeting next door.

The defendant, 56-year-old Rick Bartlett, the former pastor of Bastrop Christian Church, was the chaplain for the Bastrop Police Department at the time the cat died. The crowd in the courtroom

Rick Bartlett

included Sarah and Eddie Bell — owners of Moody, the dead cat — who are suing Bartlett for damages, and Sheila Smith who heads Shadow Cats, a Central Texas nonprofit cat rescue.

Bartlett, who had complained of strays in his neighborhood, trapped the cat and took it to the police department Jan. 17, 2012. Animal control officer Susan Keys pointed out that the cat had tags with the address and phone number for its owners, and offered to return it to them, an arrest affidavit says.

But Bartlett convinced Keys to allow him to return the cat. According to the affidavit, after Bartlett drove away Moody either fell or jumped out of the cage because the cage door had been left open.

Moody was found, badly injured, under the tall bridge over the Colorado River near downtown. Prosecutors allege Bartlett, who last had custody of Moody, was careless and charged him with animal cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor.

Bartlett had nothing to do with the cat’s death, his attorney said. A five-man, one-woman jury is deciding the case this week.

Keys, who no longer works with animal control, was one of the first witnesses. She testified that while she has no personal knowledge of how the cat ended up on a walking path in the park with serious injuries, she had last seen it with Bartlett, and she became suspicious of his story when questioning him two days later.

A former Bastrop pastor is on trial for animal cruelty in connection with the death of Moody, the cat.

“I trusted him to do that,” said Keys of allowing Bartlett to return the cat to its owners. Keys later went to the park in response to an injured animal call, and took the cat to a veterinarian’s office, where it died.

Keys testified she called Bartlett on Jan. 19 to ask if he knew what happened. “I asked him if he let the cat out of the trap. He said, ‘no.’ He said he went back to the church and it was ‘just gone.’

Keys said she turned the case over to police. “I became suspicious about him being honest,” she said. Under questioning by county prosecutor James Rhodes, Keys also said she learned that Bartlett changed his story when talking to police. “I did hear that,” she said. Defense attorney Chris Dillon objected to the statement as hearsay.

In his opening statement to the jury, Dillon said the cat was fine when Bartlett last saw it. “Rick came back to the church and parked in the shade to protect the cat. At about 1 p.m., he let the cat out of the cage. Three-and-a-half hours later the cat was found,” he said.

Testimony resumes Thursday morning. Dillon said Monday he had not decided whether Bartlett will take the stand.

News Link:–http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/pastors-animal-cruelty-trial-draws-a-crowd/nXqXQ/?icmp=statesman_internallink_textlink_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch

Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies Charged With Animal Abuse

(WXYZ) – Two Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies have been charged with animal abuse for not caring properly for three horses they owned.

James Willyard and his wife, Georgia Willyard of Lapeer, were charged with two misdemeanor counts each after an investigation by animal control officials.

In addition, the couple’s daughter, Molly Mekoski, has also been charged in the case.

Lapeer County Prosecutor Byron Konshuh tells 7 Action News the daughter is the owner of the three horses, but she does not live with her parents. The horses were kept on their property, therefore the couple shares responsibility for their well being.

The horses were deemed underweight by a vet and also allowed to run free, which initially raised concern of neighbors.

“We try to make sure we get compliance,” Konshuh said. “Prosecution isn’t the goal this case or any cases like this. We just want people to care for their animals.”

The prosecutor’s office also filed a civil lawsuit against the couple after the horses were removed from the property.  The county is now in possession of the animals and awaiting forfeiture.

Gail Hirt has years of experience with rescue horses.  Her agency, Beyond the Roses Equine , is taking charge of their care.

“They range anywhere from 100 pounds underweight to over 200 pounds underweight,” Hirt said. “Their hoofs are long. They’re not maintained. Their manes were full of burrs. They just look terrible.”

The horses are being temporarily housed at  Whispering Point Farm in Imlay City.

Arraignment took place last week at Lapeer District Court.  A conviction on the animal cruelty misdemeanor carries a maximum one year sentence.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:

“We obviously find these allegations very disturbing. We have no tolerance for any animal cruelty. The deputies in question have been relieved of their police powers pending the outcome of the case.”

News Link: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/oakland-county-sheriffs-deputies-charged-with-animal-abuse#ixzz2McRsFqsB