Arrested for animal cruelty 12/18 Suzanne Fountain

Suzanne Fountain has been arrested and is charged with five counts of felony animal cruelty and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Her arraignment is on 1/20/2011 in front of Judge James H Earp at the Viera Moore Justice Center. Five cats were found dead in a Palm Bay house, one other cat was found alive but in distress. The cats were barricaded in a closet and some had been partially eaten.

See media coverage at:
News 13
WESH
Florida Today (link will only be valid for a few days)

Christine Hogle Update

Christine Hogle is going to jury trial on 12/15/2010 at 8:00 am. The 12/13/2010 date was cancelled. To brush up on the Hogle case click here.

re: Christopher Comins case (Shooting of huskies in field)

Defense’s Motion for Reconsideration:

(I)n the wake of failed plea negotiations, the State Attorney’s Office has filed an amended information reclassifying the animal cruelty charges to the level of second degree felonies… (N)ow Mr. Comins is facing maximum statutory punishment of 30 years incarceration.

Source: http://cominsvvanvoorhis.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/christopher-comins-riminal-charges-upgraded-again/

Kenta Wyns Update

Kenta Wyns brutally beat his puppy on numerous occasions. His pup narrowly escaped death. She was confiscated and is now healthy and adopted thanks to a wonderful foster home that gave "Resi" what she needed to recuperate properly.

When Wyns went to court he was deemed unfit to stand trial. He was sent to GEO Care and was recently deemed fit.

In court today, August 27th, the court ruled that Wyns will stand trial. Next docket sounding in October 27th, 2010 at 9:00 AM in Viera.

Christine Hogle update

There was a motion to suppress hearing on August 12th. Court is taking the matter under advisement and will try to have a written ruling on the motion prior to the next docket sounding on August 23rd.

Christine Hogle was caring for her grandparents' pets. Animals confiscated 1/19/10 and taken to county shelter.

Per Animal Services records:
" nearly every room was soaked with urine and covered with trash and animal feces. The animals also appeared to be in some distress."..."5 dogs, one of which was in extremely poor condition, 8 cats, 1 rabbit, 1 lizard and 2 dead hamsters"

We need emails to Brevard County Commissioners. A sample email is at http://www.voicesforellacf.org/CommLetter

The Animal Services Director presented his proposed budget cuts to the Brevard County Commissioners. Voices will be negatively impacted if the proposed elimination of the Bite Clerk/ Records Retention Clerk goes through. The title of the position does not sound very important but the tasks are critical to the smooth functioning of the administrative tasks of Animal Services as a whole. The proposal is to eliminate the position and distribute the tasks to various other employees who do not necessarily have the needed skills or are aware of the proper proceedures.

Voices makes numerous Open Record Requests for information on cruelty cases. It has been Voices experience that when making Open Record requests from anyone in Animal Services other than the Clerk, the replies often go unanswered, despite state law which mandates a reply. Without the Clerk position we will be battling Animal Services every step of the way to get documentation - taking our time and focus away from our real mission.

The appeal to the county to not cut this position should be presented as how it will impact the county, overall. The impact on Voices will not impress the Commissioners, the impact on the county citizens should be of concern, though.


The email addresses for each commissioner are at http://www.brevardcounty.us/commission/
they are
D1.Commissioner@brevardcounty.us (Dear ViceChair Fisher)
chuck.nelson@brevardcounty.us (Dear Commissioner Nelson)
D3.Commissioner@brevardcounty.us (Dear Commissioner Infantini )
D4.Commissioner@brevardcounty.us (Dear Chairperson Bolin )
D5.Commissioner@brevardcounty.us (Dear Commissioner Anderson )

and send one to the County Manager
Howard.Tipton@brevardcounty.us (Dear Mr. Tipton)

If possible send each one individually with their name in the salutation. A group one is okay, though.

When you sign please add if you are a Brevard Resident, Property Owner or Registered Voter

Rusty Lewark is sentenced.

Rusty Lewark, who mutilated and killed two of his dogs and then dumped their bodies in a dumpster pled guilty and was sentenced to 2 six month jail terms, to run consecutively. He has a credit of about 130 days time served. He also received 2 five year probation terms to run consecutively.

One of his probation restrictions is not to reside with pets during his probation period. Complying with his restrictions may prove to be a challenge for Lewark. He had that same restriction when he was released on bond, but was unable to stay in compliance.

We will have more details of the sentencing hearing coming soon. One note: the prosecutor raised up a folder filled with letters and pointed out that he had about 200 letters on this case. The defense came back with two statements. One, they are form letters and two not all of them are from Brevard County.

The prosecutor deserves many thanks from us. He asked for 10 years in jail, he argued why it was justified and he did his best to point out the violence of the crime.

Florida Today has an online article. see http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100811/BREAKINGNEWS/100811026/1086. Some of the tv stations were there, as well. See http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2010/august/135408/

Albert Jordan, makes a plea and gets time served.

Albert Jordan (his story is at Jordan Link) was arrested last year for dog fighting. He was charged with 7 counts of neglect ( not the dog fighting). He spent 171 days in jail.

His case was set for a jury trial on 7/14/10 but he ended up taking a plea. Judge found him guilty and gave him a sentence of time served.

The photos of the dogs do not show any fresh wounds, nothing gory. Shows the living conditions and some old scarring on the dogs. The county attorney filed a fitness to own and a judge passed that judgment. Albert and Wade Jordan are not supposed to own dogs until they petition the court and prove they can take proper care of the dogs. Who knows what they are up to at this point, though.

Photos of the dogs at
Photos
(it takes a while to load up)

Darin Christopher sentenced to 13 months jail.

Darin Christopher pled guilty on 7/2/2010 and was sentenced to 13 months jail time and one year probation -- the minimum allowable sentence.

Christopher beat a woman over 65 yrs of age. He also beat her dog in front of her while threatening to kill the dog. The dog was beaten with a frying pan, was missing teeth and had injuries so severe it was unknown at the time whether the dog would survive.

Christopher had recently completely jail time for a previous violent crime.

The Orlando story when Christopher was arrested is at: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-03-19/news/os-dog-abuse-frying-pan-orange-20100319_1_frying-elderly-woman-deputy

Lewark Case

Brevard County Clerk of Court Register of actions for the Lewark case shows seven letters have been docketed. And we have only just gotten started!

Jordan going to Jury Trial

When Jordan was arrested a year ago, he was charged with dog fighting. A police office witnessed people participating in a fight. There was a lack of evidence to support the dog fighting. The State Attorney charged Jordan with multiple counts of poor conditions for the dogs. See the conditions at this link

Letters for the Lewark Sentencing

Rusty Lewark brutally killed his two dogs. One with an ax, one with a blunt stick. He was arrested and let out on bond with restrictions. One of those restrictions was not to be around animals. Lewark violated the provision and was put into jail.

At a recent hearing, Lewark decided to plead guilty to his crimes.

We are sending letters to the State Attorney's office asking for maximum punishment. We are also requesting that Lewark not be allowed to live with animals until he can prove to a court he is capable of owning animals. Sometimes a sentence will have the provision of no animals while on probation. That is not enough.

No matter how much time Lewark serves in jail, he will very likely remain a threat to animals. His historic actions (arson, animal cruelty) exhibit documented signs attributed to other criminals who have eventually harmed people. Yes, we want to see justice and for Lewark to pay for his crime with jail time. More importantly, though, we want to protect animals from Lewark.

If you write a letter please stress the importance of Lewark never being allowed to live with animals until he proves to a court he can. We say live with and not own because saying own gives a loophole where Lewark can then live with someone who owns a dog, cat, etc.

We have a sample letter available in our Letter Writing for specific cases link on the left column of the website. Feel free to download the sample, edit it and mail it in. If you send a copy to the clerk of court, the letter may get docketed.

Luctria Blackmon arrested 6/18 for Cruelty to Animals.

At the initial appearance before Judge Kenneth Friedland, Ms Blackmon stated she was trying to get a knife away from her domestic partner of 11 years. During the struggle her partner was injured as was the dog. Ms. Blackmon said she did not know how how the dog got hurt.

Next court date is July 13, 2010 before Judge John Harris.

Sample Letters for Lewark

We plan on having sample letters for you to use when writing to the prosecution in the Lewark case by Monday.

Lewark Pleaded Guilty

Rusty Lewark was going to be going to jury trial when he suddenly changed his mind and decided to plead guilty on June 16, 2010. Sentencing is currently scheduled for August 11, 2010 at 11 a.m. in Viera.

Lewark brutally killed two of his dogs in February. He tried to choke one and then he beat it with an ax. He then tried to hang the other one, and beat that one with a stick. They both were dumped in a dumpster. The dogs were dead when their bloody bodies were recovered by the police.

Florida Today has the story on the latest court appearance. Link to http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100617/NEWS01/6170330/1006/Rockledge+man+pleads+guilty+to+animal+cruelty+in+death+of+2+dogs

James Griffin: Arrested for intentionally causing harm to his pet hedgehog

The allegations are:

• James Griffin abandoned his pet hedgehog in an apartment with no food or water.
• Hedgehog was found with rubberbands around her back feet causing loss of circulation and infection to both back feet.

Witness testimony will support

• the hedgehog was found in Griffin's vacated apartment with no food or water
• both back feet had rubberbands on them, one foot was black due to loss of circulation
• Griffin stated, laughingly, to witness he used rubberbands on the hedgehog's feet cause he used her as a bowling ball
  
• the hedgehog's right rear root that was tied off was severely infected, the left rear foot was tied off and infected.

We will be following the case and information will be updated on the link to James Griffin

Notes taken from the Lewark Hearing on May 5

Unofficial notes taken at the May 5th Bond Revocation hearing are available. The notes are in Word format. To open click on May5Hearing.doc.

Lewark's Bond is revoked

The Bond hearing was heard this morning. Lewark was not present. Defense attorney mentioned Lewark's childhood as well as the fact that Lewark only hurts his own property. Prosecutor cited the dead alligator in Lewark's yard and the dog under Lewark's bed. Judge issued a bench warrant for Lewark.

Judge Dugan said he wants to hear from Lewark and from Lewark's mental counselor regarding Lewark at or by the next Docket Sounding on the 19th.

The dog under the bed was never seen so the condition of the dog is unknown. The dog was heard barking under a bed in an unkempt bedroom at Lewark's residence when the police went in to be sure there were no other victims of gun shot wounds in the residence.

Update on Rusty Lewark case

There will be a Bond Hearing held on Wednesday May 5th at 8:30 AM, as Lewark has violated his bond argreement restriction of not being around pets. Media coverage at Florida Today dated May 3, 2010

On April 23, Lewark was shot three times. When the police went to Lewark's residence they found a dog. (Lewark had a dog on record, named George, when Lewark was initially arrested for slaughtering his other two dogs, it is logical to figure the dog at the residence is George).

"Lewark's residence also was searched by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission because of a dead alligator on the property and by the Department of Children and Families because of “poor living conditions,” police said." per Florida Today article dated April 24, 2010.

Update on Vanschaick dog, Molly

Molly lived with Vanschaick for at least a year, in miserable shape. She was rescued in December of 2009. She has since been in foster and then adopted by her loving foster home.

Her family treated us to a current photo of Molly. We inserted her before picture to show how some loving care in a few short months can make all the difference in this sweet dog's life.

Update on Kenta Wyns case

On 4/30/10, Court found the defendant not competent to proceed based on the doctor's report. Per Court Register of Actions: Defendant is committed to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services for the purposes of competency training. Defendant to be held at no bond pending pick up by DCF or further order of the court.

Hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2010.

Kenta Wyns victim, Resi

Kenta Wyns has his docket sounding today. We thought it would be a perfect time to show you how his victim, Resi, is doing today. Resi's foster home is still seeking the right home for sweet Resi.

There are videos and photos of this girl at http://s687.photobucket.com/albums/vv234/jamielvsaustin/Resi/

For all of Resi's bad fortune to be owned by Kenta Wyns, she is blessed to have been put in her foster home. She knows love, discipline, manners. She is social and obedient. Her foster mom and dad are looking for the right home for her and when they find it we all know it will be a perfect home for Resi.

Many many thanks to Jamie and Austin for all they do for the rescues in need.

Update on Lewark - NO to Early Resolution.

The Early Resolution division denied the case - meaning they will not try and work out some kind of plea deal early on to keep the case out of the court system.

Thank you all for writing letters expressing your concerns and for requesting the State Attorney to prosecute to the fullest.

For those who are not yet aware, Rusty Lewark was shot three times on April 23rd. He would not reveal the circumstances to the police according to media reports.

Florida Today report at http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010304240001

snippet:
Lewark's residence also was searched by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission because of a dead alligator on the property and by the Department of Children and Families because of “poor living conditions,” police said.

Kudos to Orange County

Orange County animal services partnered with Crimeline of Central Florida to help combat animal cruelty in Orange County. Tips are eligible for an up to $1,000 reward if the tip leads to an arrest. All tips can remain anonymous, though. You can read about the program at:

http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/CEsrvcs/animal/HelpStopDogfighting.htm

UPDATE on Navy Seal, one of our abuse victims

He has been adopted from the shelter as of this morning.

We wish Navy Seal the very best that life can offer. He deserves big rewards after what he endured.

UPDATES on many cases and a few needs.

Albert Jordan's docket sounding is now scheduled for May 4th, 2010.

Vanschaick is going for a plea on April 13, 2010. The county has already been successful in getting a fitness to own injunction on him.

Lewark made bond and is now out of jail. He is going for an early resolution on April 27, 2010. He may be living with his girlfriend, children and the one remaining dog, we don't know. ACTION NEEDED: We need nice, calm, short letters to be sent to the prosecuting attorney seeking fullest prosecution allowable by law AS WELL AS no animals, ever, until he can show the court he is capable of caring for animals properly.

Kenta Wyns' docket sounding is now April 30, 2010. The Wyns dog is in foster, and still needs an adoptive home. You can see this adorable girl at Petfinder http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15817619?recno=24

Alton Johnson's victim, Navy Seal is still at the shelter and is in desperate need of a home. This boy has yet to get a break. Johnson's, an already convicted animal abuser, had his case dismissed. Navy Seal has been at the shelter since September of 2009. He simply does not have much more time. He is a good dog, one of the volunteers at the shelter tries to get him out of his pen as often as possible. But, Navy needs a home where someone can show him the ropes. Please pass on his need, or he will be destroyed. You can see some of his pictures at http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/pet/1640274253.html and see his Petfinder listing at http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16051632?recno=22

And for some good news!! The puppy who was the victim of Daniel Fletcher had her first birthday celebration. You can read the progress she has made since she was adopted by an absolutely wonderful family. Click on http://www.voicesforellacf.org/cases/fletcherD/pupupdate.htm

Update on Laszlo Horvath case

He pled guilty. Sentencing is 3 years probation (if he violates his probation he goes to jail for 5 years). He is not to have a dog.

Story at http://dailyme.com/story/2010032400003725/brief-man-sentenced-years-probation-orange.html

Update on Rusty Lewark case

Hearing was held on 3/16. Lewark was granted a $20,000 bail and can be released with an electronic monitoring device once he posts bond.

Lewark is a stay at home dad with three children. When the dogs were slaughtered by Lewark the statement by the girlfriend says she was inside with the children while Lewark was outside with the dogs.

There are concerns for the children when Lewark is released. He stated in his post miranda statement that he killed the dogs because he lost his temper. In the Initial Appearance (video available on Lewark page) Lewark stated he "had reasons" for committing arson at age 13. Arson and cruelty to animals fit in the profile of people who end up being violent to people.

Foster/Adopter or Rescue needed for innocent victim in Alton Johnson case

Alton Johnson, previously convicted of animal cruelty, was arrested again in August of 2009. Prosecutors dropped/abandoned the charges in November. The story details can be read at the Alton Horace Johnson link.

Johnson was arrested when he was found to be fleeing from the Titusville police with a dog in the trunk of his car. That dog is named Navy Seal.




Navy Seal has been at the shelter since August 31st, 2009. He now needs a chance to get a real life. If you know anyone who can help this boy please let that person know of this boy's plight. His animal ID is A487652 and he is at the South Animal Care and Adoption Center in Melbourne.



Navy Seal is about 1-2 years old. He has a wonderful disposition. Appears to get along with other dogs. He just completed heartworm treatment. He sits on command and lays down. He will need some work with leash training, and responds well to positive training. What he wants is attention. He is very friendly, has a waggy tail when you approach and will settle down for a good rub. He is a bit hesitant with men, but loves them in a short warm up period.

This boy needs help right now. He has been waiting his whole life for an opportunity to be someone's good boy.

Please spread his story so he can get a chance to belong and feel loved.

ALDF Trying for Legal Protections for Animals

Citizens Can Now Watch Jail Court Live from Computers

Below is a copy of the text from a News Release from the Brevard County Jail:
Citizens Can Now Watch Jail Court Live
With Web Video Streaming
In an effort to improve access to the public to view Jail Court proceedings, the Sheriff’s Office has implemented a Web video streaming capability that citizens can watch in their homes and businesses on their computer.

The Jail courtroom is typically used for initial proceedings for persons who were arrested in the county within the previous 24 hours, and for other proceedings like plea court.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the efforts of Brevard Community College President, Dr. James Drake, and the WBCC-TV staff for their expertise and assistance in helping Jail staff to set up the video streaming system.

To view the streaming video, please go to the Sheriff’s website at
http://www.livestream.com/brevardsheriffcourt.

Times of Court Processes:
Initial Proceedings:

• Monday through Friday (excluding holidays): 1:15 pm
  
• Saturday, Sundays & Holidays: 9:30 am

Plea Court: Wednesdays: 9:30 am

For more information, please contact Major Greg Robertson at the Brevard County Jail Complex at 690-1504.
###

Mardi Paws Event Update

We had our first outreach event on Sunday, Feb 28th at Mardi Paws, hosted by Central Brevard Humane Society.

Over 300 stickers with our logo and website address were passed out to visitors of the event. We were able to speak to many people about the positive things that Voices has been able to do for the animal victims of abuse. Hopefully, we encouraged people to visit the website and sign up for our email notifications. We did get a few people to sign up on the spot.

Denise did an incredible job. Within a matter of days Denise created a large banner, business cards, stickers and various info poster boards of specific cases. We had dog treats and beads to distribute for Mardi Paws! A great many thanks to some of our Voices people who helped with setup, tear down and working the table; Denise, Steve, Jen, Wally, Laurie, Erin and Lynn.

Jamie and Austin brought Resi, the victim in the Wyns’ case. They are fostering Resi for the shelter until someone adopts her. Resi looks beautiful despite the scars inflicted on her. Jamie and Austin are certified trainers so Resi is getting a good upbringing. If you know anyone looking for a good, young sweet bullie breed girl contact the shelter about Resi.

Kristine and Steve brought Molly, the victim in the Vanschaick case. Molly was their foster dog and is now being adopted by them. Molly's parents have experience with flea allergies in pets so Molly will be cared for properly for the rest of her life. All it took to get Molly in good shape was the right kind of care and love.

Denise and Steve brought Gidget, the victim in the Hynes’ case. Gregory Hynes had starved Gidget to the point where she was unable to stand. Food was all it took to get Gidget back in shape. She now goes hiking, camping and does agility.

Jen and Wally brought Koda. Koda had been abandoned and lived on his own for almost a year, finding shelter and food wherever he could. He was taken in by Jen and Wally and now lives a life of luxury and warmth with the company of many cats.

We plan to continue our public outreach at future events and hope to meet more of you. Below is a montage of some of the photos taken at the Voices table at Mardi Paws

UPDATE on Home needed for Vanschaick victim

We just heard from the shelter that the foster family for Molly has decided to adopt her. She now has a loving, caring and FOREVER home.

Rockledge man arrested for animal cruelty - for inhumanely killing two dogs

Rusty Eugene Lewark was arrested on 2/22/10 for brutally killing two dogs. He was denied bail even though he is a stay at home dad for three children ages 4 thru 7.

Lewark led police to the dumpster where he had disposed of the two pit bull dogs. Lewark told police he beat one dog to death with an ax. When that dog was dead he then put a noose around the other dog's neck and beat that dog while the dog was hanging.

Judge Majeed stated during the initial appearance on 2/23 that this crime was beyond beastly. It was also mentioned that Lewark's history of arson coupled with animal cruelty are signs that Lewark may be dangerous. Therefore, bail was denied.

When we have more documenting evidence it will be added to the Lewark case file.

Sunday, Feb 28th - Paws in the Park

Voices will have a table at the Mardi Gras - Paws in the Park festival. Stop by and say hello if you happen to be in the area.

VANSCHAICK pled not guilty on 2/16. Docket Sounding on 3/2

Vanschaick pled NOT guilty to his animal cruelty charges.

Docket Sounding scheduled for 8:30 am on 3/2/10.

UPDATE: Foster Home needed for senior victims in Hogle case

They have a rescue, they will be transported on Monday to the rescue.

Foster Home needed for senior victims in Hogle case

Two of the dogs who were thought to be going back to the owners, the grandparents of Hogle, now need rescue ASAP.

Both are very sweet!

Milo,Beagle, male neutered about 8 yrs + ID A236061

Ginger a possible spitz mix spayed female, has some kind of skin issues or allergies, about 8 yrs + ID A003218



Contact the South Animal Care and Adoption Center in Melbourne if you can help these two dogs who likely have alot of confusion about what is going on. 321.253.6608

UPDATE: Foster Home needed for victim in Vanschaick case

The dog is in foster, but still needs an adoption home.

Foster Home needed for victim in Vanschaick case

Brevard County has been successful in getting custody of Molly, the dog Vanschaick allowed to suffer for months with demodex mange (treatable and not contagious).

She is still on meds and is recovering very nicely. She needs a foster home where she can continue her recovery and free up a much needed shelter kennel. Once she is fully recovered she will be available for adoption.

Please spread the word on the need for a foster home for this HAPPY dog!!! All that suffering has not changed this girls very happy disposition.

Contact the South Animal Care and Adoption Center -- 5100 West Eau Gallie Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 253-6608 about fostering Molly Mae, ID Number A477242.

You can read about the Vanschaick case by clicking on David Vanschaick in the column to the right. There are supporting documents to the case as well as a link to photos of Molly when in bad condition.

Wyns has been charged with Felony Animal Cruelty

Read the page on Wyns to get all the details. This case was in limbo for a while. But charges have been filed for the beating that Wyns gave his innocent dog.

Use Caution giving dogs to Thomas Blair of Mims

See all details at the Thomas Blair page. In 2006, Thomas Blair was cited for keeping four hound type dogs in unsanitary conditions. In 2010, Thomas Blair turned in two dogs. One is an emaciated female Bloodhound (likely named Daisy). One of her photos is below:

Beware of giving a dog to Frank Kuhn in Cape Canaveral

Kuhn's dog recently died at the end of it's tether. Kuhn may have already acquired a dog. If not, he will likely be looking for one to tie up in his back yard.

You can read the official documents at this Kuhn link Click Here.

Ozzy Abandoned in Oct. now needs home, ASAP

Ozzy is in dire need of adoption. He is at the South Animal Care and Adoption Center in Melbourne, FL.

Months ago, this boy was posted on Craigslist by his owner and given away to Renee Chambers (full name Maria Renee Karaguovanis Chambers) and Jason Witty. They abandoned Ozzy (and two other dogs) after tying him up outside in a yard with empty cans and trash. Brevard County did a 'fitness to own' judgment against the new owners and now have custoday of Ozzy.

Ozzy has been at the shelter since October 27, 2009. He has remained friendly and cheerful. He is using up a kennel that other dogs need, though, so Ozzy must get adopted.

Christine Hogle faces 17 counts of animal cruelty

Media Coverage:

Click Orlando Has video coverage.
WFTV Has video coverage.
My Fox Orlando Has video coverage of the animals at the shelter.
WESH Has video coverage.

Photos from the VanSchaick case available

The investigation into VanSchaick started in June of 2009. The county is now seeking a Fitness to Own judgment per County Ordinance 828.073(4)(c)4 .

Photos of the dog, Molly Mae, who was not cared for properly are available at the Vanschaick link.