- Florida, USA -
The Gainesville Police Department arrested 30-years-old DESTINY MERCEDES BENTON (pictured).
On December 12, 2023, BENTON took her dog named Lotto to Banfield Pet Hospital.
Lotto had several medical conditions, but according to the affidavit obtained by Voice For Us, the most severe was “severe necrotic skin disease.”
The veterinarian offered several treatment options to BENTON but she refused and said that she could afford to pay for the medical care. The vet also discussed surrendering Lotto to someone else but at the time there was no placement for the dog. Finally, the vet “offered a free euthanasia” but BENTON declined and left with Lotto.
Three days later, on December 15, 2023, a passerby found Lotto abandoned on the side of the road with a dog bed at SW 122nd Street and SW 89th Avenue (approximately ten miles from BENTON's apartment).
The Good Samaritan then took Lotto to the UF Small Animal Hospital and dropped him/her off “as stray”, stated the affidavit.
Lotto had “extensive wounds on the head and neck” and was covered "in dirt and purulent material" with chunks of skin falling off that were removed during bathing.
Alachua County Animal Resources were alerted and an officer responded to take possession of Lotto. The responding officer learned from the veterinarian that the injuries sustained by Lotto “were from a chemical burn.” The affidavit further stated “There was dead and infected tissue that had to be removed. Without intervention the dog would have died from infection.”
The officer also took pictures of Lotto to be sent out in hopes of finding his/her guardian.
Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital then contacted the Alachua County Animal Resources Officer and revealed that BENTON was Lotto's guardian and provided the officer with additional information.
At that point, the officer was able to make contact with BENTON at her apartment.
Post Miranda BENTON said she took the dog to the vet and they could not determine what caused the injuries but said it could have been from a Brown Recluse spider bite. BENTON went on to state that she could not pay for the medical treatment and that staff wanted her to turn Lotto over to them. BENTON confirmed that she did not get any medication from the hospital.
BENTON then told the officer that Lotto had run away and she did not know where he/she was.
Court documents show that a sworn complaint was filed on December 23, 2023, and a warrant for BENTON’s arrest was issued on March 14, 2024, by Judge David Kreider with a recommended bond of $10,000.
BENTON was arrested on April 17, 2024, and charged with one felony count of animal cruelty. She was released on her own recognizance on the condition that she may not possess any animals.
I have emailed Alachua County Animal Resources to inquire about Lotto. If I get a response, I will post an update.
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Disclaimer: This article is sourced from the arrest affidavit obtained by Voice For Us.
Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
BENTON’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
