- Florida, USA -
On Tuesday, June 8, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office arrested 64-year-old MARION GOODE HARMON (pictured below) in connection with a major animal cruelty investigation.
Multiple sources report that the week-long investigation began after the sheriff’s office received a report about buzzards flying around a carcass inside HARMON’S fenced 20-acre property.
Through a Facebook post of June 8, the sheriff’s office encouraged the public to drive slowly in the area of the 12000 block of Capitola Road as there was a significant presence of authorities who were dealing with the removal of 150 animals including cattle, donkeys, ducks, goats, guinea pigs, a horse, sheep, mules, peacocks, pigs, and turkeys.
Sadly, officials also discovered the remains and carcasses of several animals.
Since 6:30 a.m. the area was marked with many law enforcement vehicles, helicopters flying overhead in the area, and blue tents being set up.
The live animals removed from the property were found to be emaciated and suffering from severe malnutrition.
Many farms also responded to the scene to take in the animals.
Mr. David Bruns, with Triple R Horse Rescue, told WTXL that a lot of the animals will be up for adoption once they are rehabilitated, although it could take a while before that happens since the animals need to be cleared to be adopted through the courts.
HARMON was charged with the following 57 charges:
34 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty – Torture Inflict Pain or Serious Physical Injury/Death
16 counts of Unlawful Disposal of Dead Animal
7 counts of Animal Cruelty – Animals Torment/Deprive/Mutilate/Kill
WCTV reports that according to court records, HARMON was arrested in 2019 on four counts of animal cruelty when he left dead livestock on other people’s property.
WCTV further reports that “A Florida A&M University spokesperson confirmed to WCTV Harmon was a professor there, but he retired at least two years ago.”
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.