- Florida, USA -
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36-years-old KEITH EVANCIK LAHEY (pictured) on Thursday, July 13, 2023, but the case connected to this arrest dates back to November 2020.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said that on November 19, 2020, deputies were dispatched to LAHEY’s home to investigate a report of animal abuse. At the time of the incident LAHEY was living in Naples Park.
LAHEY led deputies to his garage where they found a small dog in a cage under a boat.
The Voiceless Victim was a 17-year-old Shih Tzu named Duncan.
According to the release, Duncan appeared to be in distress. He “was covered in dirt, feces and urine”, and his “fur was matted.”
Duncan had difficulty breathing, a bone was showing in one of his front legs and he was unable to walk due to damage to his front paws.
Collier County Domestic Animal Services were called in and the responding officer confirmed Duncan appeared neglected, malnourished, underweight, and his skin was decaying due to a lack of care.
The sheriff’s office said LAHEY told deputies Duncan lived in the cage in the garage, and “seemed unconcerned about the dog’s condition which he attributed to old age.”
That same day, Duncan was examined by a veterinarian who reported that Duncan was emaciated, weighing only 5 pounds. Duncan was covered in open sores and ulcers and suffered from possible blood poisoning. Furthermore, the vet’s assessment determined that Duncan was neglected “to the extreme.”
Sadly, Duncan was euthanized per the vet’s recommendation due to his “severe condition.”
The sheriff’s office submitted to the State Attorney’s Office an arrest warrant for LAHEY charging him with one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty.
The warrant was approved and LAHEY was placed under arrest after being located on Thursday. Online arrest records show that LAHEY was released the following day after posting bond!
In the press release it’s not explained why LAHEY was only recently arrested if the incident happened in 2020. I have emailed Collier County Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk to inquire about that and if he responds, I will post an update.
Court records show that LAHEY, now of 3611 8th Avenue S.E., Naples, is scheduled to appear in court on August 7, 2023.
Sheriff Rambosk said in a statement: “Animal cruelty can never be justified. In Collier County, if you abuse an animal you are absolutely going to jail.”
I regularly come across countless sheriffs, police chiefs, and prosecutors who firmly state that in their county animal cruelty will not be tolerated!
However, what I continue to see is animal cruelty cases that go to court where more often than not, there is a “tolerant” judge!
LAHEY deserves to be locked in a tiny cage and kept under a boat without food or water until his useless life expires!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
LAHEY’s mugshot shared from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Duncan’s photo provided to Voice For Us by Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
Additional Source:
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