- Florida, USA -
UPDATE: June 1, 2021
On May 13, Judge Richard "Ric" Howard (pictured below), sentenced 57-year-old KEVIN LEE THOMPSON (pictured below), of Inverness, to 5 years in prison, the maximum sentence for a third-degree felony, after a Citrus County jury found the defendant guilty of aggravated animal abuse.
The Chronicle reports that in 20 years on the bench, Judge Howard said he’d never seen worse wounds.
Judge Howard was referring to wounds on the tiny body of a Chihuahua named Bennie and described the pictures as “ghastly.”
According to the Chronicle, “Howard did not hide his disgust.”
~ Original sory:
A Citrus County Animal Shelter alerted the authorities to a cancer-riddled Chihuahua, named Bennie, who was experiencing abuse.
The shelter medical staff told authorities that Bennie had multiple masses and a tumor the size of a softball on the left side of her body.
The tumor had split open, possibly due to Bennie biting and scratching herself as a result of fleas.
The poor furbaby also had overgrown nails and very little fur on her body due to the fleas.
Bennie also had gum disease.
There was no doubt that the sweet, small, innocent soul was suffering because of her condition.
Following this report, on Friday, June 5, deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office went to a property in the 60 block of North West Avenue in Inverness.
At the scene, deputies talked to 54-year-old RUTH ANN JOHNSON and 56-year-old KEVIN LEE THOMPSON (both pictured below).
Deputies questioned these vile individuals about Bennie.
The woman told deputies that Bennie had not been seen by a vet for almost a year.
She stated that a veterinarian told the couple that due to Bennie’s age, there was not much that could be done for her.
Reportedly, the vet told the couple that Bennie had a cyst and the tumor had grown.
The woman said she should euthanize Bennie, but THOMPSON told her not to.
He suggested to drop her off at a shelter instead.
The couple were arrested and charged each with one third-degree felony count of aggravated animal cruelty.
A bond was set for $2,000 each.
JOHNSON and TOMPSON will be arraigned on June 29, before judge Richard “Ric” Howard.
Dr. Meaghan Mielo, euthanized Bennie.
RUTH ANN JOHNSON is scheduled for trial on August 2, 2021.
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.
Bennie’s picture: Fifth Judicial State Attorney/Special to the Chronicle
