- Florida, USA -
⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️
~ Update: May 4, 2024
I heard back from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and I sadly have to inform you that Bella, Honey, and Smokey were euthanized.
~ Original story:
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 63-years-old DIXIE ETHEL WEEKS and 53-years-old CURTIS LEONARD SHIPLEY ( both pictured).
According to the arrest affidavit obtained by Voice For Us, on April 5, 2024, two electricians went to SHIPLEY’s home on 900 N Carpenter Road in Titusville. After completing their job, they went to their next customer and told her what they had seen at SHIPLEY’s home.
The electricians said they saw “malnourished dogs”, “feces everywehere” and cats who were “delivering babies in the kitchen cabinet.” The electricians described what they saw as “horrible living conditions.”
Concerned with what she was told, the customer alerted the Titusville Police Department and an officer responded to SHIPLEY’s home.
Upon arrival, the officer immediately requested the assistance of Brevard County Sheriff's Office Animal Services and Enforcement.
The responding Animal Control Officer saw four dogs whom SHIPLEY identified as Bella, Eli, Honey, and Smokey. SHIPLEY told the ACO that all four dogs and all seven cats were his.
According to the affidavit, Honey “appeared to be missing an eye. Her ribs were easily palpable, and her pelvic bones were becoming prominent.” Additionally, Honey “had multiple areas of missing fur, swollen nipples, overgrown nails, and limped while walking.”
Smokey “appeared disoriented and was bumping into walls and falling over as she walked. Attached to Canine Smokey's right ear was a skin tumor, approximately the size of a baseball.” Smokey's ribs and pelvic bones were prominent and her nails were overgrown.
Bella “seemed to be unresponsive to noise or commands. She had missing fur and a ruptured tumor on her back.” Her ribs and pelvic bones were visible, and she was unable to walk on her own.
Eli “also seemed unresponsive and had missing fur on his back and rear legs.” His “ribs and pelvic bones were visible and he could only walk short distances.”
SHIPLEY was unable to confirm the age of the dogs. He estimated that Honey, whom he also called Mama, was acquired as a puppy between 2009 and 2011 after he and WEEKS moved in together. SHIPLEY also said that Bella and Smokey were Honey’s babies.
SHIPLEY also struggled to remember Eli’s age and estimated that all four were approximately 12 or 13 years old.
None of the furvictims were ever seen by a veterinarian and none of them were ever vaccinated. SHIPLEY told the ACO that he did not know that dogs “were supposed to receive annual veterinary wellness exams.”
The ACO then found five of the seven cats. SHIPLEY told the officer that the cats were both indoor and outdoor.
According to the ACO, the cats appeared to be “bright, alert and responsive.”
SHIPLEY surrendered all four dogs and the ACO rushed them to the Rockledge Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital (RASEH) for immediate emergency veterinary intervention.
On April 8, 2024, after their initial emergency care and treatment at RASEH, Bella, Eli, Honey, and Smokey were returned to the care of South Animal Care Center (SACC).
Veterinarians reported that all four Voiceless Victims had been experiencing repeated and excessive infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering.
All four furvictims were suffering from flea infestations, dermatitis, and painful tumors.
SHIPLEY and WEEKS’ statements about feeding the dogs regularly were also proved to be false. All four dogs were found to be severely malnourished.
Further findings revealed that none of the dogs “were offered sufficient exercise and outside change of air.”
On April 23, 2024, WEEKS and SHIPLEY were arrested and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty, four counts of confinement without food and water, and four counts of condiment without wholesome exercise.
At the time of writing, records show the filthy duo are being held at the Brevard County Jail on $38,000 bond.
Court records show that WEEKS and SHIPLEY will appear at Titusville Historic Courthouse on May 30, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. for their arraignment before Judge Michelle A. Baker.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said although three dogs won't make it, the vet team will try to save the other dog.
Just before publishing the story, I came across an article by WESH, according to which three of the dogs have been euthanized.
I have emailed the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about this and if I get a response, I will post an update.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official court documents 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.
Mugshots shared from the Brevard County Jail
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