UPDATE: Cat Shooting by Lester, Letters to State Attorney's office

The State Attorney's office has decided there is "insufficient evidence" against "Bob" Lester for shooting his gun in a residential area five times and seriously injuring his neighbor's cat.

The SA cited shooting to protect property from damage and that a hog is a nuisance animal as facts in the investigation that warrant no action by the State. Per a written reply to the victim: "there is insufficient evidence to overcome Mr. Lester's claim that he believed he was shooting at a hog and that he had no intention of harming [the] cat."

The screams after each shot were obviously from a cat, as two witnesses have stated. Yet, the State Attorney's office believes that Lester continued to think he was shooting a pig. A pig that did not squeal but screamed like a cat, [shot]again and [shot]again and [shot]again.

The SA wrote: "the Animal Services Officer would testify that based upon his review of the facts, this is not an animal cruelty case". Another agency that believes that Lester continued to think he was shooting a pig after each shot he made resulted in a cat scream.

There is also the question of what is humane killing. Per http://myfwc.com/License/Permits_NuisWild.htm

property owners may take nuisance wildlife, as long as the animals are destroyed humanely.

One has to wonder what definition of humane includes shooting four times; maiming but not killing.

The State Attorney's office remains consistent in not bringing charges in cases such as this.

UPDATE: Abandoned Boxer from Chambers and Witty case needs home NOW

Alexis has been adopted!

Abandoned Boxer from Chambers and Witty case needs home NOW

Alexis is available to leave the shelter. She has been at the shelter since 10/27/09. The county was awarded custody of Alexis, a beautiful boxer, and she now needs rescue or foster.

If you can help Alexis or know someone who can please send them to this link:


http://voicesforellacf.org/cases/chambers/alexis

Update on abused pup needing foster case

Whitee is going to a rescue group where he will be well cared for and find a good home. Hill Street life will not be in his future.

Unfortunately, there are at least two other dogs living on that property. We know of no action planned to help them.

4 mo abused pup needs foster or rescue

Whitee was given up by her owner on 12/8/09 when Brevard County Animal Control observed Whitee and Tropp, both seriously injured, on a residential property on Hill Street in Merritt Island. Animal control activitiy report can be read in pdf format here. According to the report, the injury to Whitee happened on 12/6 and she received no medical care. Owner was cited for "Neglect".

Tropp's injuries were so extensive she could not drink water. Emergency Medical Center euthanized poor Tropp. Tropp's photos are available but they are exceptionally disturbing. Tropp's owner was also cited for "Neglect".

Whitee's leg is fractured/broken and is now in a splint. She is at the South Animal Care Center, 5100 West Eau Gallie Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32935. They are ready to release little Whitee to foster or rescue. Animal ID at the shelter is either A501913 or A501912.

See more info and photos of Whitee at http://voicesforellacf.org/cases/hillstreet/whitee.htm

re: Cat Shooting by Lester, Letters to State Attorney's office

If you are interested in writing a letter to the State Attorney's office we have a sample letter available at: http://voicesforellacf.org/letters/letterLesterCase.htm

Please consider copying your letter to your State Representative and State Senator. (Links to find your Rep and Senator will open in new windows)

Update on Robert Lester case

Latest media coverage at:
Florida Today Will open in new window

We will be having a letter writing campaign to the State Attorney's office to arrest Robert Lester, who illegally discharged a gun within Melbourne Village.

Update on Fletcher pup that was adopted

All updates are at: http://www.voicesforellacf.org/cases/fletcherD/pupupdate.htm

Latest is:

12/06/09: Leyla's momma sent some photos of the little tyke along with some great status:

"Leyla is having a fun weekend. She played all day yesterday and learned how to chase a ball and destroy her stuffed animals. The rabbit I bought her did not last 3 days.

She is now learning how to get treats out of a kong ball. She is a lot more active and we need to watch her more so she doesn't get in trouble.

This morning I took her out on her leash. She was scared so I had to carry her outside but once outside she enjoyed sniffing the neighbors yard."

Click on any photo to see a larger image:

Update on David Almquist case

Disappointing results. 87 days jail time, which he already served.

The only mention of the cat victim was when the judge pondered out loud how many lives the abused cat has left.

Judge asked the abuser's wife if she would like her husband home. The wife said yes and made negative points about the victim of the domestic violence charge - a teenaged girl (who is a secured victim and was not in the courtroom) family member.

The judge mentioned paying restitution to the County for the care of the cat that Almquist injured. The prosecutor said Almquist didn't have to pay anything. Guess our tax money takes care of those things!

Update on Albert Jordan case

Calendar call for jury trial on 12/14/09.

Upcoming Hearings

Dear Voicesforella members:

We have several hearings this week. Please go to the website: http://voicesforellacf.org/ and read in-depth reports about these cases and many others.

December 1st (9:00 a.m. - Judge Kenneth Friedland): Docketing Sounding. Albert Jordan is charged with 7 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty involving dog fighting; lack of food & water; and unhealthy living conditions. This hearing is at the Titusville Courthouse.


December 3rd (1:15 p.m. - Judge John Greisbaum): A very important hearing: Daniel Almquist is being sentenced after a plea of guilty to 3rd degree felony animal cruelty. Mr. Almquist choked the family cat and then threw it against a wall causing serious injury. This hearing is at the Titusville Courthouse.

I know it is difficult to attend hearings, especially if you work. However, if you could all try to attend the very important sentencing hearing on December 3rd for Daniel Almquist - it would be fantastic. I'm going to try very hard to make it there myself.

We have an artist that is working on voicesforellacf business cards and hopefully we will have them soon. I'm hoping everyone will get them printed and start handing them out. We need lots of "voices" for when the new director comes on board.

Update on David Almquist case

This is the case where the abuser choked the family cat and then threw the cat against the wall causing serious injuries.

Almquist has pled guilty to the felony animal cruelty charge.

The scheduled sentence date for this charge and his other charge of domestic violence is December 3, 2009.

Update: Comins Case - Shot Huskies

Judge Rules Comins' Animal Cruelty Case Will Go To Trial

WESH report at:
http://www.wesh.com/news/21594856/detail.html

Orlando Sentinel report (note, there is an error in their reporting)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-man-shoots-dogs-hearing-20091112,0,530054.story
The statement:"Christopher Comins was caught on video shooting the dogs that were attacking a baby calf in a pasture last May. " as we all know, is incorrect. There is no documentation or evidence that a dog was attacking anything at all, never mind a calf.

UPDATE: Michelle Wright Case

Michelle Wright

Arrested and charged with a third degree FELONY Animal Cruelty charge FS 828.12.2

Case Outcome: Plea to Misdemeanor charge FS 828.12.1, Adjudication Withheld.

Sentence: 64 hours community service, minimum of 8 hours monthly beginning November 9, 2009. One year probation - she can apply for early termination after 6 months.

Update: Comins Case - Shot Huskies

Still in pre-trial (Comins trying to have charges dismissed).

Next hearing date to be announced.

Update: Alton Horace Johnson Case

Case re Alton Horace Johnson driving with his dog in the trunk of his car was dropped.

No Court Date for Kenta Wyns

The court date was cancelled. The case resulted programatically. A new court date will be set and all parties notified when/if the state files an information in this case.

The female pit bull that he brutally beat in front of other people (one person a child) and subjected to chemical burns may not get justice in the Brevard County legal system.

NEWS: Latest Animal Cruelty Arrest in Brevard County

http://www.wesh.com/news/21398788/detail.html

Court date 11/12/09




http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091023/BREAKINGNEWS/91023004/1086/breakingnews/Cocoa+man+arrested+on+animal+cruelty+charges

re: Calls to State Attorney's Office in Volusia

If you call and leave a message, leave your phone number. You will get a call back to verify you called and ask how to spell your last name. Your call will go into the file.

The woman who called me back mentioned they are getting calls on this case.

Keep up the good work!

Volusia County needs our support

By now just about everyone has heard about the most horrible fate of a puppy adopted via craigslist. The news report is at:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/newEAST01102009.htm

The below is a request for support sent out from Sophie's Circle in Volusia County:

Please call the State's Attorney's Office, 386 239-7710 ext. 4793, ask for Chris Kelly. The case number is 091000287. Voice your [thanks that he is prosecuting this case and your] concern that this is the second animal that has been taken from this man and his bail was set at only $1000. If we all voice our concerns, they have to listen. We have to be the voice for this puppy and any other animals this man could get in the future.

The puppy is now at Tomoka Pines undergoing surgery for a broken rear leg which she sustained during this attack.

We want to add that when you make the call please present yourself as a rational person who has concerns for the safety of animals and people. It does no good for the cause to be seen as an another "animal crazy" issue.

If you call and get any feedback, let us know. Thanks.

Almquist records received from Animal Control

We received the report on the Almquist case. File has been uploaded to that case folder.

Update: Alton Johnson

He failed to appear in court on 10/15. Next arraignment date is 11/5/09, 8:00 A.M.

The first week of November is full of animal cruelty cases!

Update: Albert Jordan

Albert Jordan Update: Defense requested a continuance to Nov 3.

Notice: Jordan case tomorrow October 13.

Go to the Albert Jordan link on the right column for details on this case.

Docket sounding on Tuesday. The last person who went before a judge for animal abuse in Brevard walked (Shamika Thomas). Let's hope the same doesn't happen in the Albert Jordan case.

By the way, two of the pups that were confiscated in this case are now up for adoption at the county shelter in Melbourne.




Updates on the case will be posted here.

Notice: Comins Hearings Nov 4 and Nov 5

Dear Voicesforella members:

I want to let you know that the hearings on the motions to dismiss all charges against Christopher Comins is NOT over. There have been a total of three hearings so far (4 hours each) and they are having two more hearings - November 4th and 5th. The hearings begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Orange County Courthouse. We will rally at 12:30 in front of the courthouse, Courtroom 7D, Judge LeBlanc.

I am letting you know way in advance that Hoochie, Raley, and Chris Butler really need your help. This is just a tragic case. Mr. Comins has lots of money and it appears lots of connections (in high places). One of our voicesforella members, who lives in Orlando, has been attending the hearings. Reports are there are many police officers attending the hearings in support of Mr. Comins. It's been said the mayor of Orlando, Mr. Crotty, has been supporting Mr. Comins, too. Mr. Comins has hired very expensive experts and lawyers to help his cause.

Some terrific flyers that you can print and hand out in your community or workplace have been made by a member. You can find them on our website on the left-side column. Please try and recruit as many folks as you can to come with you.

We will be carpooling for the next hearing from Brevard. Please contact me to make arrangements.

If you would like to read more about this case, go to the following link: http://cominsvvanvoorhis.wordpress.com/. By the way, Mr. Voorhis has been sued by Mr. Comins over this article.


Thanks,

www.voicesforellacf.org

Update: Comins Case - Shot Huskies

News article and news video at WFTV:

http://www.wftv.com/news/21220035/detail.html will open in a new window

Your comments can be added at the end of the article.

*NEXT COURT DATES ARE NOVEMBER 4 AND NOVEMBER 5. A peaceful protest by people who want justice will be at 12:30 pm. At 1:30 we will go into the courtroom.



WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER TO END ANIMAL CRUELTY

Notice: Rally in Orlando

Rally Against Animal Cruelty
Orange County Courthouse
Tuesday, Oct 6, 12:30pm
Peaceful Rally, then Court at 1:30pm

On Tuesday, Christopher Comins goes back to court for felony animal cruelty charges after he shot 2 dogs, Hoochie and Raley, multiple times in the back, neck, and eye. The case is in the pre-trial stages. The defense wants the case dismissed, and has presented expert witnesses. The shooter has political connections.
The People of Florida fought really, really hard last year to get this case filed with the police and then prosecuted. It never would have happened if we hadn't worked so hard to make it happen. We cannot give up now. We are in absolutely crucial stages of the case right now. On Tuesday, Chris Butler (the dog owner) and another witness are scheduled to give testimony.

Rally at 12:30. Court begins at 1:30pm. You do not have to stay for the whole thing. Even 1 hour will help tremendously.They are keeping the rallies peaceful. They have to, in order to not help facilitate any problems with all the people in attendance who are there to support the dog shooter.

Take a stand against animal cruelty. If you do not, who will? Be a united voice against violence and cruelty!!

Notice: Comins - Shot Huskies while owner was present

This Thursday and Friday, 1:30 - 5:00 p.m., both days, they are holding hearings on the defense's four motions to dismiss. The defense will be putting on several witnesses, including experts - probably from the Cattlemen's Association. Christopher Butler has also been requested to speak. These hearings will be very interesting!

As I'm sure you remember, Christoper Comins shot Hootchie & Raley in Orlando while caught playing with some farmers cows. You can read the entire story here: http://publicintellectual.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/barbarian-hillbilly-dog-shooter-christopher-comins/

I know it's asking way too much for everyone to attend both days from 1:30 -5:00; however, it is very important that we show up and rally! Holly said that at the last rally in this case, several prosecutors, concerned citizens, etc., stopped and asked about the case. They even had some folks stay and help them rally.

Holly thinks we should rally around noon on Thursday and Friday and stay as long as you can. Folks will be pouring out of the courthouse to go to lunch - great publicity. I will be contacting the news media as well.

This is at the Orange County Courthouse - Judge LeBlanc.

Update:Shamika Thomas case

9/29/09: Calendar Call for setting of trial date. Animal Control report has been uploaded to Shamika Thomas file.

Update: Michelle Wright case

11/09/09: Calendar Call to set trial date.

Notice: Horse

We were just notified of another alleged tragedy at a local horse rescue. According to our source a horse went down September 2nd (see photos). The source said the owner put the horse in a roped stall with water and a pat or two of hay and left the horse on its own. Our source says they can hear if a vehicle comes by the stall, none came during the night to check on the horse. The next morning the horse was dead.

The facts of this allegation have not yet been verified.

Link to WFTV News story.