Graphic Image: Horse Dragged For 100 yards, Arrest Warrant Issued For Abuser

By  Calily Bien Updated: Thursday, December 6, 2012,

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Authorities in Bastrop County are looking for a man who allegedly dragged his horse for 100 yards leaving it with severe injuries. 

Horse dragged behind pick-up..cruel bxxxxxd!! Image from Examiner web page

On Nov. 10, a witness saw Mariano Villafuerta, 43, tie a horse to his truck in the 200 block of Mesa Drive in Del Valle and started to drive away.

The witness said Villafuerta accelerated to a high rate of speed with the horse still tied to the hitch of the truck. The horse had a difficult time keeping up, fell to its side and was dragged for about 100 yards.

According to the arrest warrant, Villafuerta then stopped the truck, got out and began kicking the horse in the neck until it stood up. Villafuerta then grabbed the horse by the lead rope and ran the horse down the driveway to the house in the 300 block of Mesa Drive.

The witness noticed that the horse’s left eye was damaged as well as the skin on his body. The deputy who arrived to take the report took pictures of the aforementioned injuries.

The witness said the horse apparently got out of Villafuerta’s property and was roaming around when Villafuerta found it.

The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office will charge Villafuerta with cruelty to livestock animals by tripping, which is a state jail felony.

As of Wednesday night, officials have not located Villafuerta.

The horse is currently going through rehabilitation at the Meadow Haven Horse Rescue .

News Link:-http://www.kxan.com/news/horse-dragged-for-100-yards

By Penny Eims December 5, 2012:- Man wanted for dragging horse behind truck in Texas

On Tuesday, KEYE TV published a horrific case ofanimal cruelty involving a gorgeous horse who was nearly dragged to his death in Bastrop County, Texas.

The incident took place on November 10, the day that the suspect, Mariano Resendiz Villafuerta, is accused of attaching his horse to the back of his white, Ford F150 pickup and dragging him for over 150 yards.

According to Bastrop County Sheriff’s DepartmentSgt. Ric Cole:

“He was drug at a high speed until the horse couldn’t keep up,” “And then when the horse fell, he drug it.”

Investigators believe that Villafuerta was angry about something at the time, and took that rage out on the horse. According to KXAN News, the authorities were alerted to the horrific situation by a witness who claims to have watched the entire scene.

After the high speed dragging, the horse, now being called “Dragster,” was taken to a veterinary clinic for the multiple injuries which cover his once gorgeous coat.

Dragster is currently being cared for by the Meadow Haven Horse Rescue, where he is expected to recover.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Villafuerta, who is facing one count of animal cruelty, but as of yet, he is nowhere to be found.

Anyone with information is asked to phone 911 or the Bastrop County Sheriff.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/man-wanted-for-dragging-horse-behind-truck-texas

Colbert Co. Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty

UPDATED 6:29 pm, Fri Dec 13, 2013. COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WAAY) – Authorities have charged a woman with animal cruelty after finding 4 dead dogs outside her home and more than 120 dogs on her property earlier this week.

Debra Jane Catledge

Debra Jane Catledge, 53, is charged with 15 counts of second-degree dog cruelty. Catledge was released from the Colbert County Jail on a $750 cash bond. She could face a year in jail on each misdemeanor count or a fine.

Earlier this week, animal control officers rescued a total of 122 Yorkies and Pomeranians from Catledge’s home on Highway 72 in Barton. Authorities said the dogs were in wire cages out in the freezing weather. They also found 2 dead dogs.

On Thursday, the Colbert County Sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at Catledge’s home and found 2 more dead dogs, 6 live dogs, and illegal moonshine in a barn.

Sheriff Ronnie May said Catledge told investigators she took numerous other dogs out of state but will not say where.

“We’re in the process of locating her residence out of state and another family residence out of state to see if the additional dogs that she had are at those locations” said May,

May said more charges are expected in the next week for the moonshine found on the property.

News Link:–http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/colbert-co-woman-charged-with-animal-cruelty/article_a8c77836-6415-11e3-b92c-001a4bcf6878.html

Staff and volunteers at the Colbert County Animal Shelter are grooming and performing medical examinations on 122 Yorkies and Pomeranians rescued from a home on Tuesday.

by Rachel Keith

Investigators rescue 122 dogs from alleged Colbert County puppy mill

COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WAAY) – On Tuesday, Colbert County Animal Control officers and the sheriff‘s department seized 122 Yorkies and Pomeranians found outside a home on Hwy 72 in the Barton community.

Colbert County Animal Control Director Judie Nichols said her office received a tip from a concerned citizen that the small dogs were being kept outside in the cold.

Animal control officers responded to the complaint around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and found two dead dogs frozen to their wire cages. Investigators spent several hours at the home taking pictures of all the animals that also included 2 exotic birds.

The dogs were housed in wire cages 3 to 4 feet off the ground. Nichols said the dogs were in good condition as a whole but the biggest concern was their exposure to the freezing temperatures.

“They were wet some of them and they had ice on their fur” said Nichols. “They were just very cold, huddled up, just cold.”

The shelter is now over capacity with more than 200 animals after taking in the dogs and more are expected since over 25 are pregnant.

“The owner was overwhelmed” said Nichols. “I think she went way overboard. She had way more than she could care for. It’s obvious she was breeding them.”

Staff and volunteers are busy grooming and performing medical evaluations on all the dogs which could take a few days. Nichols said they are also scanning each dog for a microchip to make sure none were stolen.

The shelter is not accepting any animals from the public until they can start adopting out the animals but are still responding to animal control calls.

“If they find a stray, we would like to ask for their patience and their understanding” said Nichols.

Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May said the district attorney is waiting for all the dogs to be evaluated before deciding if animal cruelty charges will be filled against the owner. No charges have been filled at this time.

It could be several days before the dogs are available for adoption. The birds were signed over by the owner and have been adopted.

Investigators said other animals including horses were found on the property but appeared to be well cared for.

News Link:–http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/investigators-rescue-dogs-from-alleged-colbert-county-puppy-mill/article_994b7778-6298-11e3-8542-001a4bcf6878.html

Hidalgo County Man Back in Jail After Having Sex With A Horse Again

“I don’t think any kind of treatment can help here, aside from chopping his dick off!!. After so many repeated rapes on animals, how long before he turns his attention to children? He is a threat & should be locked away in either a jail or mental home; just get him off the streets!!

Cirilo Castillo Jr., 43 of Edinburg, Texas was back in court on Wednesday and charged with criminal trespass and animal cruelty for having sex with a horse.

Cirilo Castillo has been charged with 2 counts of trespassing and 2 counts of animal cruelty. Credits: The Houston Chronicle/ Hildago County Sheriff‘s Office

Most animal welfare laws view zoophilia as animal abuse. According to Wikipedia, there are 18 states that have no specific bestiality laws; Texas is one of them. Florida passed a bestiality law in 2011.

According to the Monitor.com, Castillo was released from jail on June 25 for public lewdness and having sex with the mare named Nadia.

On June 28, he was caught on a video surveillance camera having sex with the same horse again.

A previous record shows another arrest in January 2012 for similar allegations.

The Houston Chronicle states Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino describes Castillo as a laborer with prior arrests for theft and possession of marijuana. The Sheriff stated:

“The guy is practically harmless, except for the horse. I can’t just ignore this and allow it to keep happening.”

The Sheriff is hoping Justice of the Peace Bobby Contreras will order Castillo to get treatment. Bond was set at $35,000.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/hidalgo-county-man-back-jail-after-having-sex-with-a-horse-again?cid=rss

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/

SENTENCED: Man Will Go To Jail For Animal Cruelty Charges

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A man in Supply was sentenced to 45 days in jail after being convicted of cruelty to animals.

Anthony Johnson (Source: Brunswick Co. Sheriff’s Office)

According to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened in November 2012.

Officials say Anthony Johnson, 21 of Supply, was accused of not feeding his pit bull properly, causing severe malnourishment.

A spokeswoman with the Sheriff’s Office says the dog is recovering nicely in the care of a vet.

Johnson is appealing the case to Superior Court.

News Link:–http://www.wect.com/story/22486841/sentenced-man-will-go-to-jail-for-animal-cruelty-charges

Dog Set Afire in George County Dies Of Its Injuries

“He may have wanted this little pup to go to heaven, the psycho ..but please God…I hope there is a hell for people like this!”

Man arrested on animal cruelty charges, was wanted on two warrants

GEORGE COUNTY May 23– A Lucedale man arrested on a charge of animal cruelty Tuesday is accused of dousing his 5-year-old Chihuahua mix in a flammable liquid and setting it on fire, George County Sheriff Dean Howell said.

The dog, named “Socks,” died of massive burns to the body Thursday at George County Animal Hospital.

“Brandon Pierce – Peice of shit, I would like to do same to him”

Arrested on a charge of misdemeanor animal cruelty was Brandon Pierce, 20. Authorities, however, said they hope to upgrade the charge against Pierce to a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty as early as today.

Deputies said the dog was on fire when they responded to a 911 call for help at the home on Greenwood Road, where Pierce lives with his family. The caller said Pierce was “going crazy on meth.”

When deputies got to the scene, Howell said, Pierce was acting “erratically” and saying he “wanted the dog to go to heaven.”

R.I.P Socks died after being set on fire. Picture courtesy of :-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/24/brandon-pierce-dog-set-on-fire-help-go-to-heaven_n_3331400.html?utm_hp_ref=crime

Pierce was taken to George County Regional Hospital initially, then released to the custody of the sheriff’s office. At the time of his arrest, he was also wanted on two warrants for failure to appear in court.

After word spread about the incident, George County sheriff’s spokeswoman, Shonna Pierce, said the Sheriff’s Department was flooded with calls from people wanting to pay the bill for the dog’s emergency care.

“It is awful,” said Shonna Pierce, who is not related to Brandon Pierce. “Just awful. If you are going to have pets in George County, you have to be responsible for them. If you are not going to be responsible, you are going to be held accountable.”

After the arrest, Brandon Pierce was taken to the George County jail, where he remained Thursday.

Misdemeanor animal cruelty falls under the Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law in the state.

The crime is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or six months in Jail.

News Link: http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/23/4686253/sheriff-george-county-man-set.html#storylink=cpy

Pierce has had previous charges of animal cruelty. Before the death of Socks, Pierce had been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Mississippi animal cruelty laws, however state that a second offense of aggravated cruelty is punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Rest in peace little Socks. We hope the person responsible for your horror and death is punished with the maximum sentence allowable by law.

News Link:–http://www.examiner.com/article/lucedale-man-on-meth-douses-dog-with-flammable-liquid-and-sets-pup-on-fire

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

Witness: St. Johns Man Slashed Dog’s Throat

A 28-year-old St. Johns County man accused of slashing his dog’s throat was seen dragging the howling Saint Bernard mix to a nearby plot of land Sunday night.

Randal Bryen Hart of the 8400 block of North County Road 13 was charged Monday with animal cruelty, the Sheriff’s Office said.

A witness told the Sheriff’s Office the man stabbed the dog several times. After locating Hart at his home Monday morning, it took a deputy and Animal Control officer about 45 minutes to find the dog in a grassy area near the home.

The dog was still alive but in obvious distress, the Sheriff’s Office said. It was taken to the Atlantic Veterinarian Hospital for emergency surgery.

Hart told the deputy the dog bit a kitten and needed to be “put down,” the Sheriff’s Office said. The deputy located the kitten playing with another dog on the property but saw no injury.

News Link: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2013-01-14/story/witness-st-johns-man-slashed-dogs-throat#ixzz2Ir3U6sxi

Forest Grove Man Indicted For Aggravated Animal Abuse: Killed Family Dog

“He looks a heartless bastard doesn’t he? well they all do; if you’ve taken any notice!! I hope this cruel pig gets jail time for killing the family dog in such a heinous way, just because it defecated on the carpet!! Why did the family not report the incident until after 2 days had passed, I bet there was domestic abuse too!”

A Washington County man Friday was in court charged with animal abuse for killing the family dog.

On December 1, 2012, Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to 1107 Nichols Lane in Forest Grove. It was reported that two days earlier Michael Burns, 45, killed the family’s Golden Retriever.

Investigators learned that Burns had an altercation with the dog inside the house and cut the dog’s throat with a knife.

A family member contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the incident. Deputies began collecting evidence and interviewing people with knowledge of the incident.

On December 8, 2012, deputies arrested Mr. Burns and charged him with First Degree Aggravated Animal Abuse.

Today, a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Michael Burns on First Degree Aggravated Animal Abuse, First Degree Animal Abuse, and Second Degree Animal Neglect.

Burns will remain out of custody and has a pre-trial court date set for February 4, 2013. “I will keep you updated on this!”

News Link:-http://www.albanytribune.com/11012013-forest-grove-man-indicted-for-aggravated-animal-abuse%E2%80%8F/

Backyard Pig Slaughter Leads to Felony Animal Cruelty Arrest in Fair Oaks (VIDEO)

Fair Oaks residents heard “horrendous screaming and squealing” coming from a nearby backyard. What they found was a pig being slaughtered, initially with a hammer-blow to the head.

Please note – this is not a graphic video -Squeals cause nearby residents to call police

Published on 6 Jan 2013

Police say a man inhumanely slaughtered a large hog in a back yard area. Neighbors say they heard squealing that they could not ignore.

When several Fair Oaks residents began hearing “horrendous screaming and squealing” coming from a nearby backyard, they took a closer look to see what was happening.

What they found was a large hog being slaughtered, initially with a hammer-blow to the head that failed to kill the animal, according to the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department.

“If you’ve got a problem, call the *** cops,” said the neighbors doing the slaughtering, as you can hear in the News10 report above.

That’s precisely what the neighbors did.

“It looks like at first he tried to bludgeon it with some kind of blunt force,” said Jason Ramos of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department to News10. “When that was unsuccessful, he took some type of weapon and slit the pig’s throat.” 

News10 also reports that Christopher Roppelt, 31, was arrested and charged with felony cruelty to animals. “Police say in the video that they humanely put it down with a bullet”

News Link:-http://fairoaks-carmichael.patch.com/articles/backyard-pig-slaughter-leads-to-felony-animal-cruelty-arrest-video#youtube_video-12868136