Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Mississippi: Jacob Breaux charged with animal cruelty, possession of drugs

Name: Jacob Breaux
Race: White
Sex: Male
Arrest date: 02/28/2017
Arrest time: 3:25:00 PM
Location: Lowndes County, Mississippi
Charges:
  1. POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
  2. ANIMAL CRUELTY

Arizona: Enrique Villagrana charged with 2 counts of killing and/or harming a service animal

Arrest Information
Full Name: Enrique Villagrana
Gender: Male
Height: 6'01"
Weight: 230 lbs
Hair Color: BLACK
Eye Color: BLACK
Arrest Date: 02/27/2017
Agency: Maricopa County, Arizona
Charges
#1 DISORDERLY CONDUCT-FIGHTING
#2 DISORDERLY CONDUCT-FIGHTING
#3 KILL/HARM WORK/SERVICE ANIMAL
#4 KILL/HARM WORK/SERVICE ANIMAL

Kentucky: Michael Martin, 50, charged with animal cruelty

KENTUCKY -- Full Name: Michael J Martin
Arrest Age:50
Gender: Male
City: Crab Orchard, Kentucky 40419
Height: 5'09"
Weight: 140 lbs
Hair Color: GREY
Eye Color: HAZEL
Date:02/27/2017
Time: 1:48 PM
Arresting Agency: Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Charge
#1 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS-2ND DEGREE

Texas: Police spent 3 months trying to get Andres Rodriguez to take better care of his animals. He didn't, so he was arrested for animal cruelty and the animals seized

TEXAS -- On February 23, 2017, Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Livestock Unit met with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) at 22856 Hughley Lane, New Caney, in reference to animal abuse.

According to SPCA Investigators, they had been working a neglect case at the above address since November of 2016. SPCA Investigators had been attempting to get the owner of a horse and several dogs to comply with a feeding program and vet care.


During the investigation, Deputies observed six adult dogs, eight puppies, and one horse in poor health. The dogs were chained-up without food or water. Deputies also discovered a female dog and her puppies locked in a small shed, severely emaciated, and near death.


Deputies located the horse behind the house in a small fenced area with no grass or food. The horse was in poor condition and looked extremely underweight due to malnutrition.

All animals were seized and placed in the care of the SPCA. A seizure hearing has been set to determine final placement of the animals.


The owner of the animals, Andres Rodriguez, a 46 year old New Caney resident, was arrested on 14 charges of Cruelty to Animals and one charge of Cruelty to Livestock.

Anyone with additional information regarding this crime, is asked to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-760-5800 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP (7867).

(Montgomery County Police Reporter - Feb 27, 2017)

Georgia: State Appeals Ruling Throwing Out Animal Cruelty Charges Against Former Cop Daniel Peabody

GEORGIA -- The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office has appealed a ruling by a judge that would throw out two charges against a former cop accused of leaving his police K9 inside an unattended vehicle to die.

Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Jackson Harris granted a motion last month to throw out counts one and two in the indictment -- the aggravated cruelty to animal charges -- against Daniel Wood Peabody, the former Cherokee County School Police Department officer charged in connection to the death of Inka, a Belgian Malinois employed by the school district.


ISSUE OF A TECHNICALITY

According to court documents, Peabody’s attorney filed a motion to quash the indictment, arguing that since the aggravated cruelty to animal charges contend Inka’s death allegedly occurred while the former officer was on duty, he was “entitled” to appear before the grand jury.

Georgia law grants current and former peace officers the right to testify before the grand jury before it makes decision on whether it should hand down indictments.

Judge Harris's order does not apply to the charge of making a false statement filed against Peabody in the indictment, however.


“The state’s position is that while the defendant was a law enforcement officer at the time the crime was committed, he had stepped away from his law enforcement duties when the crime was committed and thus wasn’t entitled to be present at the grand jury proceedings,” District Attorney Shannon Wallace said.

Wallace said her office has filed a certificate for immediate review with the Court of Appeals.

Once the appeal has been docketed, the office will have 20 days to file its brief and the defendant will have 20 days to respond.

"We will probably not have a decision from the Court of Appeals until November 2017," Wallace added.


Peabody, a former lieutenant with the school police department, was arrested and charged in June 2016 by the Cherokee County Marshal's Office in connection to the death of K9 Inka, who was his partner.

He was indicted in September by the grand jury on two charges of aggravated cruelty to animal charges and one count of making a false statement.

The aggravated animal cruelty charges against Peabody stem from accusations that he left Inka in a patrol car with no ventilation while the engine was off, which resulted in the dog's death from a heat stroke. The car was not properly equipped to transport police K9's, as it did not have an agency-approved heat alarm or kennel system, the marshal's office previously said.

The false statement charge comes from Peabody informing investigators about the death of Dale, a yellow Labrador that was retired from the Cherokee school police department in 2012.

 

The agency received information about Dale after opening an investigation into Inka's death. Peabody, who was responsible for Dale's upkeep and care after his retirement, allegedly told investigators the dog's death was accidental and was caused by him choking on a toy, the marshal's office said.

However, Cherokee Chief Marshal Ron Hunton previously said the investigation "yielded evidence that Dale was in fact shot and killed by Peabody" after was retired from active service.

In another twist to the events, the marshal's office said remains of a third dog found on property formerly belonging to Peabody, did not belong to Dale. Those remains, the agency added, possibly belonged to Inka's grandmother, a Belgian Malinois owned by Peabody.

(Patch.com - February 28, 2017)

Earlier:

Monday, February 27, 2017

Missouri: Carla Criqui, 55, charged with animal cruelty

Full Name: Carla Marlene Criqui
Gender: Female
Arrest Age:55
Date:02/27/2017
Time: 3:38 PM
Arrest Location: Barry County, Missouri
Charge
#1 ANIMAL ABUSE-1ST OFFENSE


West Virginia: Darrel Swisher, 66, purposely dragged his dog behind his ATV ripping off its skin, say police

WEST VIRGINIA -- A 66-year-old New Milton man is awaiting his probable cause hearing on felony animal cruelty charge.

Darrel E. Swisher was arrested by Doddridge Deputy Andrew Menendez. The lawman alleges the defendant secured his black Lab mix to the back of his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) using a short leash, then dragged it at a high rate of speed for about a quarter mile to a half mile, injuring the animal.


The dog, about a year old, was confiscated and taken to a Bridgeport veterinary practice for treatment, Menendez alleged. Swisher was released on a personal recognizance bond following his initial appearance in the alleged Feb. 20 incident.

If convicted, Swisher could face 1-5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and would lose the right to possess animals for a prescribed period of time.

(Theet.com - February 27, 2017)

Louisiana: Ex-cop Ben Bearden, 45, jailed after fatally shooting his neighbor's beloved COCKAPOO named Jack, police say

LOUISIANA -- A former Gretna police officer is behind bars Monday (Feb. 27) after authorities said he fatally shot a neighbor's dog with a pellet gun.

Ben Roger Bearden, 45, was arrested and booked with cruelty to an animal, according to a statement from the Gretna Police Department.

Gretna police began an investigation into the death of a male Cockapoo named Jack on Feb. 19, according to Gretna police spokesman Anthony Christiana.


The incident occurred in the 1000 block of 6th Street, and officers obtained video surveillance from several different locations which revealed the shot "could not have come from anywhere" but Bearden's residence.

Jack sustained a shot to the back of his right leg with a .177 pellet, authorities said. The pellet entered Jack's heart, and police say the angle and direction of the shot came from Bearden's residence. 

Bearden and his wife have filed "numerous complaints" about Jack for his barking, police said.

Bearden's arrest comes after authorities eliminated other suspects who were firing BB guns in the neighborhood over the last several weeks near 6th Street.

Bearden resigned from the police department five years ago due to what Gretna police called "personal matters."

Bearden is being held in jail on a $10,000 bond.

(NOLA - February 27, 2017)

Florida: Laura Lee, 57, charged with animal cruelty

Full Name: Laura Miner Lee
Aliases: Laura Miner, Laura Lee, Laura Lee Miner
Gender: Female
Birthdate: 11/05/1959
Block: 1700 NE Ave J
City: Belle Glade, Florida 33430
Arrest Age:57
Date:02/27/2017
Time: 12:29 PM
Arresting Agency: PBSO
Charge
#1 CONSERVATION-ANIMALS - CAUSE CRUEL DEATH PAIN AND SUFFERING
STATUTE: 828.12-3009


Kentucky: Lisa Taylor is accused of abandoning her dogs in apartment to die

KENTUCKY -- A Cadiz woman is facing animal cruelty charges this morning.

Trigg County Sheriffs say Lisa Taylor left her two dogs in her apartment without food or water.


Deputies say the dogs were taken to the vet, but one of them had to be euthanized.

Taylor is charged with abuse/neglect and cruelty to animals.

(Fox17 - Feb 26, 2017)

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Police say the El Cacique Social Club was just a front for Noralberto Orengo, 53, and William Aviles, 53, to torture and kill animals for entertainment

NEW JERSEY -- Police took arrested two men and rounded up 45 roosters during a raid on an illegal cock fighting event on Saturday.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said Noralberto Orengo, 53, and William Aviles, 53, both of Newark were arrested at the El Cacique Social Club on North 6th Street were charged after police got an tip that the event was going on.

 

Ambrose said Aviles worked as the business manager of the club and Orengo is the owner of the business.

"Officers entered the social club where they witnessed a large crowd watching and participating in a cockfighting event," the police director said.


The NJ SPCA helped police gather up the roosters, but five died from their injuries, according to Ambrose.

Ambrose encouraged residents to continue reporting incidents to the proper authorities.

 

“I will ensure the police division is relentless keeping these types of locations closed,” he said. “Most of these locations are the catalyst for other criminal activity taking place or will take place,” the Director said.


Orengo and Aviles were both charged with management of receiving money for admission of a person to a place kept for the purpose of fighting a living animal, permit the fighting of a living animal, and permitting a place owned to be used as such.

Ambrose said anyone with information about any crime should call the Department’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).

 
 

ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Noralberto Orengo
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 06/26/1963
Weight: 245 lbs
Hair Color: GRAY
Eye Color: BROWN
Arrest Age:53
Date:02/26/2017
Charges
#1 USE OF FIGHTING ANIMALS
#2 USE OF FIGHTING ANIMALS
#3 PLACE FOR FIGHTING ANIMALS
#4 ALLOW FIGHTING OF ANIMALS FOR AMUSEMENT
#5 ALLOW FIGHTING OF ANIMALS FOR AMUSEMENT

(nj1015.com - February 26, 2017)

Ohio: Branden Flowers, 25, charged with animal cruelty

Arrest Information
Full Name: Branden Tyler Flowers
Arrest Age:25
Gender: Male
Birthdate: 12/21/1991
Height: 6'00"
Weight: 165 lbs
Hair Color: BLONDE
Eye Color: BLUE
Date:02/25/2017
Time: 7:02 AM
Arresting Agency: BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF, OHIO
Arrest Location: BCJ, Butler, OH
Charges
#1 FORGERY
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#2 FORGERY
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#3 FORGERY
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#4 THEFT
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#5 THEFT
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#6 FAIL TO FILE APPL. DOG TAGS
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#7 CRUELTY TO A COMPANION ANIMAL
NOTES: UNSENTENCED NO BOND

#8 HOLDER
NOTES: DETAINER - OTHER AGENCY NO BOND


New York: "Please say prayers for my grandson gage he got attacked by a pit bull"

NEW YORK -- Audrey Youmans posted on Facebook February 24, 2017

Please say prayers for my grandson gage he got attacked by a dog (pit bull) not sure how bad yet my daughter just called me got his side and leg at emergency room right now


Clara L Braley - Omg poor little guy. Shoot that dog .

Audrey Youmans - Thats what I said

Holly Felicetti - Prayers!!!!! Please keep me updated

Jessica Templar - He had 15 stitches

Holly Felicetti - Ouch!!! Is there any internal damage to ligaments or anything

Jessica Templar - Holly Felicetti, no just have to keep it really really clean cause the bite marks are deep ..we are at home now he is dosing in and out ...but we got to take him to doc Monday morning for them to check on it and make sure it's still vary clean

Canada: "This would never been be on the news anywhere if it was labs or retrievers"

CANADA -- Although the attack happened in late 2015, it's currently making the rounds on social media. That explains why the nutbags like Karen Carver-Millett have crawled out of their holes to complain.

 
 
  
 
"It still gives me chills when I think about it," Rebekah
said. "I just know that God answered my prayers because
I prayed and 
she showed up right at that time."

When the woman saw what was happening and
drove into the field, the pit bulls scattered giving
her a chance to save the girls.

Karen Carver-Millett posted on Facebook on February 23, 2017

For one I seriously doubt that 4 dogs mauled these two girls for over 30 minutes .. so I call bullshit on that.. and this would never been be on the news anywhere if it was labs or retrievers .. good lord I had a retriever out run my pit bull one day showing all it's teeth while mine was scared shitless and wanted to go home.. I'm never saying that none of my dogs would ever bite cause I don't know.. all I do know is I love all mine as my children and would protect them just as much as I know they would protect me. People really need to stop being negative about this amazing breed when they don't even know one thing about them .




Earlier:

Florida: Disabled veteran, beaten for trying to save turtle's life, gets big surprise

FLORIDA -- A disabled Navy veteran was given the surprise of a lifetime on Wednesday — nearly a week after police said the 45-year-old was beaten by three men after he asked them to stop torturing a turtle in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Local car dealership Daytona Beach Kia-Mitsubishi gave Gary Blough and his family the keys to a 2012 Kia Forte, which is worth up to $10,000.


Richard Nisbett, owner of Daytona Beach Kia-Mitsubishi, said he was touched by Blough’s story and felt compelled to help.

“Here’s a guy that’s trying to stand up for some defenseless animal and he ends up getting beat up,” Nisbett told CBS News. “He was taken to a hospital from a beating that shouldn’t have happened. He had to walk home with his walker — I mean, I just couldn’t take it. I wanted to do whatever I could.”

 

Salespeople and customers crowded around Blough as he made his way into the car dealership Wednesday. He was in a wheelchair, wearing an eye patch and wrist braces, and had a cane in hand.

Nisbett thanked the man for his brave actions, and both of them got emotional as Blough tested out his new ride.

“He was choked up as I was, and just couldn’t have been more appreciative,” Nisbett said. “It just felt like the right thing to do.”


Blough’s wife, Jennifer, created a GoFundMe page after the incident to help cover medical expenses and pay for a rental car to transport the family and their 1-year-old daughter to and from doctor appointments.

“My husband Garry now has to have surgery on his eye,” Jennifer explained. “And another major surgery. He has metal in him from the war in 1991.”

Thousands of people rallied around the family, and within 7 days, they had raised more than $32,000.


“Thanks for helping those who can’t help themselves,” one donor wrote.

“Thanks you for helping a defenseless creature,” another added. “You restore my faith in humanity and you deserve the best.”

Blough was outside his apartment complex when he said he saw a group of three men torturing a turtle last week, reports CBS affiliate WKMG. 

One of the men, identified as Johnnie Beveritt, 18, picked up the turtle and threw it down on the sidewalk; the two others, Ryan Ponder, 23, and a 16-year-old whose name was not released, kicked the turtle toward the apartment building, Blough told the news station after the incident.

 

Blough says when he told them to stop, they attacked him. First responders said Blough suffered injuries including broken skull and facial bones, internal bleeding and a concussion.

The turtle was later found dead. All three men were charged with aggravated battery and animal cruelty.

Blough said he doesn’t regret standing up for the animal.

“I would take the beating I got again if it meant saving that turtle,” Blough told WKMG.


(CBS News - Feb 23, 2017)

Earlier:

Georgia: Man tired of calling Animal Control over and over about the same pit bull

GEORGIA -- Chuck Clark posted to City of Griffin Police Department Facebook page on February 26, 2017

You know it's a crying shame when you can't take your own dog out in your own yard without fear of being attacked by a pit bull dog who's owner is not responsible enough to to keep his or her dog on a leash or in a fence.

I have had to call the City of Griffin Police out three times in 24 hrs on the same dog. Animal Control says they have to return the dog to owner. That's a shame when a animal becomes a nuisance to the neighborhood and they can't take the dog to the pound..

Don't get me wrong I love animals but this is too much. I'll be in Chiefs office In the morning

Massachusetts: Man warns others at dog park about vicious pit bull which attacked his dog

MASSACHUSETTS -- David Fair posted on Facebook to A Street Dog Park group page on Feb 26, 2017

Luka was attacked by a dog yesterday at the park.

I myself was bit in the commotion and during all of it the owner and dog left.

Luka is currently at the hospital getting surgery to his ear.

Be on the lookout for a white pit bull with brown spots. Female owner mid 50s. I had never seen them at the park before.


Maryland: "In the last 5 years my son, my dog and a friend have all been attacked by pit bulls."

MARYLAND -- Jeffrey Kraus posted on Facebook February 26, 2017

Sooo, Maddie is out on a walk on her leash when a neighbors pit bull on the loose attacks her and tries to rip her throat out.


I wasn't there, luckily a neighbor kicked the pit off of her or she would be dead.

In the last 5 years my son, my dog and a friend have all been attacked by pit bulls. To all that say they are a gentle misunderstood breed I say Bullshit!