- Florida, USA -
The North Port Police Department announced the arrest of 24-years-old MERALD ODINAKACHI ONYEMAECHI and his brother, 28-years-old MATTHEW UCHENNA ONYEMAECHI (both pictured).
In a media release, police said that back in July 2023, they received a tip and a video from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) alerting them to a small Pit Bull puppy having his/her ears cropped without the use of anesthesia.
According to police, “The video also showed that the animal lost an excessive amount of blood as a result of the cutting. Both brothers witnessed the incident within their home and failed to act which caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal for no medical reason.”
Voice For Us obtained a copy of the Probable Cause Affidavit and part of the narrative stated: “In the video I observed the dog to appear older than 6 weeks of age laying with its belly on a white plastic folding table. All four of the dog's extremities were extended out of the edges of the table and its snout was tapped with black tape to prevent movement of the dog. The upper half of the dog was laying on what appeared to be a white and blue puppy absorbent pad with one cut out to fit around the dog's head and neck. The dog's right ear was then observed being clamped and cut off to the clamp. As the ears were being cut the dog attempts to pull away where a white female bystander places a hand on the dog to assist in restraining it to the table. I then observed the video to show the dog with its ear cut with the absorbent pads having a significant amount of blood on them before the video cutting off.”
In the affidavit, the Voiceless Victim is identified as Khaos and in the media release police said he/she survived the illegal procedure.
On the morning of October 2, 2023, police executed a search warrant for suspected animal cruelty at a property in the 4000 block of Baynes Road in North Port.
Police did not give any details of any evidence recovered. According to the release, five dogs were removed from the property and taken by Sarasota County Animal Services for safekeeping. No information about the dogs was released either.
The two brothers were placed under arrest and booked into the Sarasota County Jail on one felony count each of Causing Cruel, Death, Pain, and Suffering. Bond was set at $50,000.
The third person seen in the video performing the illegal procedure is yet to be identified.
North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison said in a statement: “We love our four-legged friends, and this type of act towards animals will not be tolerated in North Port.”
Police urge anyone who has information about this case to contact the Department at (941) - 429 - 7300. Thank you!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Link included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
Mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the North Port Police Department.
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