Splendora Man Arrested on Charge of Animal Cruelty – Dragging Donkey Behind SUV

“I will keep an ear down for this dick head, lets hope he gets what he deserves; praying the little donkey makes!”

Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Dwayne Morrow arrested a Splendora man Thursday evening for dragging a friend’s donkey behind his SUVwith a rope and leaving it severely injured on the roadside.

Saunders via http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/man-allegedly-drags-donkey-behind-truck/article_293aea2a-3b73-5bd5-ba1d-1ce267678d5a.html

Marc Richard Saunders, 30, of Splendora is charged with state jail felony Animal Cruelty.

Saunders went to visit a friend in New Caney around lunchtime and arrived around the time someone called saying they found the family’s pet donkey around the corner. Another friend of the family was already on location and the pair went to where “Suzy Q” was tied to a post on Pine Street.

 

The other man planned to walk the donkey home, but Saunders insisted on tying the donkey to his trailer hitch, saying he would drive slowly. The second man sat on the open tailgate of the SUV as they headed home. At first, the man said Saunders drove slowly and Suzy Q cooperated.

However, he sped up a little and the donkey sat down, stiffening her front legs to try and stop. The man on the tailgate said he yelled and pleaded with Saunders to stop, but Saunders sped up a bit more and the donkey fell over.

The man continued to yell and try to stop Saunders who drove approximately 10 to 15 feet more before stopping. Saunders walked to the rear of the vehicle and saw the bloody donkey, whose hooves were ground 1.5 to 2 inches, exposing flesh and bone.

He unhooked the rope and fled.

Someone later reported seeing the donkey on the side of the road, believing she was struck by a vehicle. Deputy Morrow’s investigation soon revealed the truth and he found Saunders and took him into custody.

A veterinarian went to the scene and treated the injured donkey that was dragged home on a makeshift sled, unable to walk. The vet could not immediately say whether she would recover from the injuries.

News Link:–http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/Splendora-Man-Arrested-on-Charge-of-Animal-Cruelty-175917151.html

Plaistow Woman Gets 4-8 years In Prison For Torturing Boyfriend’s German Shepherds

“OMG…what a sick , jealous, twisted, heartless BXXXH…I’m sick of hearing ‘Mental Illness’ as an excuse. If she was mentally ill; she wouldn’t have had the for thought to tell a witness to deny texts etc. I dread to think what other abuse she inflicted on those poor dogs, to make them urinate when they saw her! Because it takes a hell of a lot to scare German Shepherds, there a strong tough breed, which is why the police  & security centres use them. Remember that face, if you see her with an animal, tell police…better yet…just take it from her… before she feeds it the kitchen sink!”

“I would dearly like to thank & shake the hand of each & every one of those jury members & the Judge! However…any guesses on how long she will actually stay in prison? I’d stake my life on it, it wouldn’t be the full 8 years..as long as it’s no less than the 4 she so rightly deserves!!”

BRENTWOOD – A Plaistow woman was sentenced 4 to 8 years in state prison for force feeding metal objects to her ex-boyfriend’s two German Shepherds during a jealous rage, causing one of the animals to die.

Jamie Labbe, 35, was sentenced 4 to 8 years in state prison on Friday in Rockingham County Superior Court on animal cruelty and other charges. Prosecutors say she force fed two of her ex-boyfriend’s German Shepherds during a jealous rage. (JAMES A. KIMBLE)

Jamie Labbe, 35, was convicted by a Rockingham County jury on Aug. 22 of attempted cruelty to animals, criminal mischief and cruelty to animals.

She tortured the dogs over several days between March and April 2011, feeding them metal bolts, a lighter and a shower head.

One witness told prosecutors that Labbe confided that, “she hated the dogs,” and became jealous over the attention her boyfriend, Kurt Kohn, gave to the two German Shepherds named Pebbles and Magic.

Her abuse so terrified the two pets they would urinate on the floor when she walked into the room, Labbe confided to her friend.

Deputy County Attorney Tom Reid relayed that anecdote along with text messages Labbe sent to her friend, Angela Gaff, during the trial. Labbe encouraged Gaff to ignore a subpoena to testify about their conversations about the abuse, according to Reid.

“It shows the premeditated nature of this plan that was an ongoing thing,” Reid said of the abuse, “And what looks like a concerted effort to keep an important witness off the stand.”

The case garnered its own public campaign online, including one petition that collected 1,800 signatures calling for Labbe to be barred from ever owning any animals again.

Judge Marguerite Wageling said Labbe’s crime was unlike any other animal cruelty case she has seen in her 27 years of practicing law.

She agreed with the sentence recommended by prosecutors, and forbid Labbe from ever owning or having control of an animal again. 

“What she did to them was tremendously scary and painful,” said Wageling, who noted at the end of the hearing that she was not a pet owner herself.

Defense lawyer Tom Gleason said that his client has suffered from a history of mental illness and had sought help at the local mental health facility two months prior to abusing the dogs.

For more on this story, see Saturday editions of the New Hampshire Union-Leader.

News Link:–http://www.unionleader.com/article/20121012/NEWS03/121019859

Elgin Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After 60 Dead Cats Found In Van

ELGIN, Ill. (CBS) – An Elgin resident faces four counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, after authorities found 60 dead cats in a van in his driveway.

WBBM Newsradio’s John Waelti reports Employees of a city landscaping contractor noticed dozens of rotting cat carcasses inside the van Wednesday morning in the 200 block of Villa Street.

The homeowner, 60-year-old William Tinkler, was taken in for questioning, and later charged with four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and five other misdemeanor violations of Elgin city codes. He bonded out of the Elgin City Jail Wednesday night, and is due back in court at 9 a.m. Nov. 2.

Police said, as the landscaping crew was removing brush on the block, workers noticed piles of cat carcasses inside a van parked in the home’s driveway.

According to Elgin police, 60 dead cats and at least one dog were found in a van at 259 Villa Street in Elgin on Sept. 26, 2012. The owner, 60-year-old William Tinkler, is charged with animal cruelty. (Credit: Daily Herald)

Elgin Police Lt. Dan O’Shea said officers were called in to speak with Tinkler after the dead animals were found.

“He told them that he put what he thought was approximately 60 cat carcasses in his van, and possibly a dog or two, over the last couple months,” O’Shea said. “He also stated he currently had another dozen or so live cats.”

Neighbors said the stench alone was unbearable.

“Oh, the smell is just terrible. See all of our kids are out here trying to play, and we can’t even have our kids out here in this area, because the smell was just terrible,” Janette Levy said.

Narweata Flowers said neighbors couldn’t even leave their windows open, because some of Tinkler’s cats might wander in.

“They comes in our window. We have to let our window down, because they comes and they pushed the screen out, and be in our house. So I used to have to just get them out every day,” she said.

Several of the live cats were captured and taken to an animal shelter for a wellness check. Officials hope to capture the other cats to have them checked out.

Neighbors believe Tinkler’s arrest might have been the only way to stop him from hoarding animals.

“I’m just glad they got rid of the cats, because it was just ridiculous,” neighbor Shavon Patrick said.

Tinkler has been given 24 hours to clean up his home before it gets tagged as unlivable.

Video & News Link:–http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/09/26/60-dead-cats-found-inside-elgin-mans-van/#.UGO2lDBCgHM.facebook

Man charged with beating girlfriend and killing her dog

“See, look…those same empty dark cold eye’s, devoid of normal rational behaviour & feelings!”

A Cleveland, Tenn., man is in jail after law enforcement officials say he allegedly attacked his girlfriend and killed her pet dog.

Justin Johnson, 26, 230 Outlet Road, Cleveland, Tenn., was charged Wednesday by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office with battery (family violence, first offence) and aggravated cruelty to animals. He remained in the Whitfield County jail without bond as of Thursday afternoon.

Justin Johnson

According to an incident report, Johnson’s live-in girlfriend, Crystal Coffman, told police she had asked Johnson to “move some items off their bed when he became irate and began striking her on the head with his fists.”

The incident report stated Coffman had swollen eyes, a cut and crooked nose, and a disfigured finger. Coffman was crying and holding a small, black dog that “she stated Mr. Johnson had killed during his assault on her,” according to the incident report.

Coffman’s mother, Kimberly Barb, said Thursday her daughter didn’t feel like talking to a reporter but was home from the hospital and beginning to heal. Barb said the violence began after Coffman questioned Johnson when she was told he had beat up her stepfather he had been living with. Coffman and Johnson had recently moved to a residence on Cleveland Highway in Cohutta.

Barb said the family took Johnson in about three months ago and were allowing him to live with her, her husband and her daughter because he had no place to go. She said when her husband began to question him about not keeping his room clean he turned violent.

“Watch who you deal with,” Barb said. “I know you want to help somebody, but be wary… I really liked him at first. I had no idea he was like this.”

News Link:-http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1831848462/Man-charged-with-beating-girlfriend-killing-dog

Four charged with animal cruelty

Four men have been charged in connection with a police operation into badger baiting.

The detained men – aged 19, 21 39 and 42 – will face counts of animal cruelty at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Monday 30 April.

Police said it comes after a series of arrests were made on 26 March as part of Operation Meles, the investigation into badger baiting across Northern Ireland.

The charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service

News posted from:-U.tv.News

Kona The Dog Severely Beaten in Orting Expected to Recover

“OMG…I can’t really express my anger regards this story without sounding like an old fish wife…However, I can say this vile little man better pay & I mean seriously pay for his heinous crime towards an innocent sentient being; not the usual slap on the wrist! .If  they don’t throw the book at this evil excuse for a human being, I don’t know when or if they ever will, when it comes to crimes of animal abuse.”

My inbox is full of animal abuse stories, which suggests it is on the rise, why? because people know they can get away with it.  All the evidence  proves this heinous crime was premeditated, or else why have the dog treats…. I just hope this monster is sent to conventry by the whole town; that is unless some un-named animal lover thinks it’s  payback time first!”

“Kona really is a fighter, I do hope he comes through this with no adverse signs of trauma or behavioural vices.  Regards his medical bills, there shouldn’t  be a need for contributions to pay for Kona’s life saving veterinary work…Ricky Lee Knowles should pay in full & also for any further treatment Kona may have to have as a result of Knowles heinous crime towards him. It makes you wonder if Knowles has ever done anything like this before? The sooner every State, City & Country has Animal Abuse Registry’s, the better!!”

See video link at bottom of page along with link to a petition A dog that was severely beaten this week in Orting is expected to fully recover and donations are being accepted for his treatment, according to veterinarians.

Ricky Knowles

Police brought Kona, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever, to Sumner Veterinary Hospital on Tuesday after arresting a man believed to have beaten the dog with a hatchet or a hammer.

When Kona arrived at the vet’s office, his eyes were so swollen he couldn’t open them. He could walk only a few steps at a time. X-rays showed multiple fractures on his head and in his sinus cavity.

“As far as abuse goes, this is horrific,” practice manager Mike Lynch said.

During surgery, veterinarians extracted three bone chips and damaged tissue from the dog’s head. They also tended to puncture wounds in the dog’s neck. Although there was initially a belief that Kona had been fed rat poisoning, Lynch said he’s tested negative for any poison.

Since arriving at the vet, Kona’s condition has been downgraded from critical to fair. He is remaining at Sumner Veterinary Hospital for several more days so practitioners can tend to his wounds and keep him on pain killers.

“The only thing we can’t predict is any behavioral issues that might stem from such a tragic event,” Lynch said.

An estimate for Kona’s care is unknown but Lynch said treatment for dogs hit by vehicles can span $3,500 to $6,500.

Donations can be walked in or mailed to Sumner Veterinary Hospotal, 16024 60th St. E, Sumner, WA 98390.

It’s unknown what prompted the abuse.

Ricky Lee Knowles, 55, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to first-degree animal cruelty. Knowles lives next door to the dog’s family and was seen beating him with what appeared to be a hatchet, according to charging documents.

Police found Kona tied to a pole in Knowles’ garage and found bloody pants, blood-splattered cutting tools, a bloody garbage can and dog treats while serving a search warrant.

News story from: The New Tribune

News from other site:-

An Orting man is in jail on animal cruelty charges after he allegedly attacked his neighbor’s dog with a hatchet.

Neighbors are amazed that Kona was able to survive the vicious attack prosecutors say Ricky Lee Knowles delivered on Tuesday.

The golden retriever had a crushed skull, a broken jaw and blood-filled eyes. Miraculously, the dog not only survived, but is already walking  again.

“He’s a lucky boy,” said veterinarian Mihai Aluas. “He’s improving very nicely.”

Orting police say Knowles is responsible for the horrific attack. He was charged Wednesday with animal cruelty, theft and trespassing.

Police believe Knowles went into Sam Hokanson’s yard on Tuesday, where he used doggie treats to lure Kona into his own yard, then beat the dog nearly to death with a hatchet.

Hokanson said Knowles had complained before about Kona’s barking, but he said they’d spoken about it and come to an agreement.

“I don’t know what would cause him, trigger him to beat up a dog,” Hokanson said.

Knowles pleaded not guilty to the charges and bailed out of jail on Wednesday evening. He cannot contact Hokanson.

News story & Video:-News & Video Link

Petition to sign:-sign Care2 Petition Regards Heinous Violent Act towards Kona

Couple appeals animal cruelty conviction

A northwest Montana couple with previous animal cruelty convictions in Idaho is appealing Montana convictions of aggravated cruelty to animals after 116 dehydrated and emaciated cats were found living in filthy, snowbound trailers near Marion in December 2010.

The Daily Inter Lake reports (http://bit.ly/GZMnEw) in a story published Saturday that Edwin and Cheryl Criswell say their case was mishandled.

Edwin and Cheryl Criswell

Cheryl Lee Criswell wipes her eyes as attorneys give their opening statements Sept. 6, 2011. She and her husband, Edwin, are appealing their conviction of aggravated cruelty to animal

A jury in September found the Criswells guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals. In October Cheryl Criswell received a two-year sentence deferred over a period of six years. Edwin Criswell got a two-year suspended sentence.

In September 2006, the Criswells entered Alford pleas to 10 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty in northern Idaho in what officials then called the largest animal hoarding case in state history involving 430 animals.

Read more here:- Couple appeals animal cruelty

Link to this post

Information from: Daily Inter Lake, http://www.dailyinterlake.com

Worcester Telegram & Gazette – telegram.com – Grafton man charged with animal cruelty in connection with house fire

WORCESTER —  The Grafton man charged with setting fire to a Countryside Road home in which three family pets were kept was indicted yesterday on charges of animal cruelty in addition to breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony, possession of burglar tools and arson of a dwelling.

A date will be set next week for arraignment in Superior Court of Joseph E. Mullen, 29, of 37 Stowe Road, according to Paul Jarvey, spokesman for District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. Mr. Mullen is charged with setting a fire at 23 Countryside Road, Grafton, Jan. 13. Nobody was home about 12:45 p.m. when the fire was reported, but two dogs and a cat inside the two-story Colonial-style house died in the three-alarm blaze.

Mr. Mullen was allegedly infatuated with the daughter of homeowners Robert and Kathleen Benoit. According to a statement of facts read by assistant District Attorney Anthony H. Melia in front of Judge Vito Virzi at Westboro District Court Jan. 18, a witness identified Mr. Mullen as the person responsible for the fire.

He was found less than three hours after the fire was reported and he told police he broke into the home and used gasoline to set fire to a couch. Mr. Mullen was sent to Bridgewater State Hospital in January for a 20-day evaluation. An online petition seeking “Justice for Benji, Emme and Gray” and calling for animal-abuse charges to be pressed against Mr. Mullen has received more than 1,300 signatures

via Worcester Telegram & Gazette – telegram.com – Grafton man charged with animal cruelty in connection with house fire.

Three Memphis Animal Shelter employees charged with animal cruelty » The Commercial Appeal

Following persistent claims about mistreatment of animals at the Memphis Animal Shelter, Mayor A C Wharton ordered Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong to conduct an undercover operation at the facility.

For three months beginning in November, the officer, whose identity remains secret, pretended to be a shelter worker while watching employees to detect rumored illegal activities, such as starving or fighting dogs.

When the officer began assisting in the euthanasia room, he found what Wharton described as “wanton disregard for animals.”

The undercover operation led to cruelty charges against three shelter employees, which were announced Thursday at a news conference held by Wharton, Armstrong and Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.

Billy D. Stewart, 28; Frank Lightfoot Jr., 59; and Archie Elliot III, 35, were indicted Tuesday and arrested early Thursday at their homes by Memphis police and Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies.

“I am saddened and disgusted that we are here once again,” Wharton said. “By this point, I hope people understand that we take these matters very seriously.”

Stewart and Lightfoot each face four counts of aggravated animal cruelty and Elliot faces two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. The charge is a Class E felony, which carries a punishment of one to six years in prison. All three employees are currently suspended with pay

via Three Memphis Animal Shelter employees charged with animal cruelty » The Commercial Appeal.

Hamden man charged with animal cruelty after blind, deaf dog found in swamp- The New Haven Register – Serving New Haven, Connecticut

HAMDEN — A town man has been charged with animal cruelty after his blind and deaf dog was found in a swamp by a neighbor and police.

The dog was euthanized because of the exposure to the cold, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Edward Saccu, a Welton Street resident, told police he awoke to the sound of a dog barking in his back yard at about 11:30 p.m. He went outside and saw the dog in a swamp. He told police it looked like the dog was stuck in the mud “up to his neck” and was in the swamp for 30 to 40 minutes.

Officer Mark Gery and Saccu waded into the knee-high water and removed the dog. Once the dog was pulled to safety, it became rigid and unresponsive, Smith said. Gery immediately wrapped the dog with a blanket and placed it in a heated police vehicle. The warmth revived it, they said.

Hamden Assistant Animal Control Officer Steven Gimler went to the scene and recognized the dog, Shadow, a German shepherd mix, as belonging to Walter Gray. Shadow is about 16 years old and is blind, deaf and arthritic, Smith said.

via Hamden man charged with animal cruelty after blind, deaf dog found in swamp- The New Haven Register – Serving New Haven, Connecticut.