Comments on: Man Accused Of Starving Horses Free On Bond; Several Horses Remain On Property

By: my2cents-goodorbad

my2cents-goodorbad — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 04:18:25 +0000

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By: LINDA

LINDA — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:18:26 +0000

Debbie, here’s what unchainyourdog provided concerning potential for punishment of his two felony and eight misdemeanor charges:

“Felony “CAUSE CRUEL DEATH PAIN AND SUFFERING ANIMALS” ~ FL Animal Cruelty Statute 828.12 (2). The 8 misdemeanors for the other horses seized: “TORMENT DEPRIVE MUTILATE KILL ANIMAL” 828.12 (1)

Starving an animal to the point of imminent death is not a *mistake*. It’s a criminal action and can get him up to 5 years in state prison and $10,000 fine on each felony charge. Each misdemeanor charge can bring 1 year in prison and $2,500 fine. Regardless of the economy, his actions were criminal.”

There was also a public meeting recently with law enforcement and humane society officials to reenforce exactly to what degree animal abusers can be charged. It was advised that in all cases, the Florida state statutes be applied and NOT local county statutes or ordinances. The state laws provide more punch than a mere slap on the wrist.

Laws and punishment could always be tougher but the existing ones will certainly make an impact IF people are watchful for and report animal abuse; then support law enforcement and judicial efforts following an arrest. We must be their voice.

By: NOT RIGHT

NOT RIGHT — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:14:17 +0000

I’m not defending this cruel man but if his bail was $9,000.00, he would have only had to put up %10 of that to get out. Still a lot of money that could have gone to feed. I’m wondering why PER did’nt take the horses. I doubt somebody is going to go by there everyday to make sure they are fed properly.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:46:12 +0000

PLEASE get those horses AWAY from this individual, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law – and PLEASE CREATE STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT AND ABUSE!!!!

By: my2cents-goodorbad

my2cents-goodorbad — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:01:15 +0000

If you could afford 9,000 for bond to get out of jail, then you could have used this same money to feed your horses with….SHAME ON YOU!! If someone helped you with this money….SHAME ON THEM!!!

By: AL

AL — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:31:16 +0000

per the report above “About 10 other horses remained in Bethea’s pasture as of Saturday afternoon. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies have checked on the horses several times since Wednesday to ensure they were receiving food and water.’

By: poohbear

poohbear — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 19:21:03 +0000

I’m sure they will be watching him to be sure he is feeding them.

By: AL

AL — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:19:26 +0000

If the other horses are not in immediate danger there is no need or cause to take them until the court so orders. Where are they going to put 10 horses? Your house?

Let the law and courts work through it legally so he can never have animals again – mess it up and he is back to square one.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Wish i could love and take them

By: Tammy

Tammy — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:34:59 +0000

WHY DOES HE STILL HAVE HORSES AT HIS HOME ……..TAKE THEM AWAY……