STEPHEN MERKELL HUNTER arrested in connection with a disturbing animal cruelty case

- Arizona, USA -

~ Update: October 7, 2025

I heard back from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and with regard to the dogs I was told: "I just checked, the dogs were cleared by the vet and they are now in our custody as a courtesy to Goodyear PD. There is a total of 2 adult dogs and 4 puppies. This is all of the information I have."

~ Original story:

The Goodyear Police Department announced the arrest of 50-year-old STEPHEN MERKELL HUNTER (pictured).

The arrest is the result of an investigation stemming from “a disturbing video” that was circulating on NextDoor, “appearing to show potential animal cruelty” said the police in a press release.

The police did not reveal the details of the abuse.

On the morning of October 3, 2025, with the assistance of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, the police served a search warrant at a residence near Citrus Road and Camelback Road in Goodyear.

Officers removed six Cane Corso dogs who were taken to a veterinary hospital to be examined.

HUNTER was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on animal abuse charges and at the time of writing records show he was released after posting bond.

A spokesperson for the Goodyear Police Department tells me that no deceased animals were found on the property.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Goodyear Police Department. 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.

HUNTER's mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

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SARA DANIELLE BALLARD and MAKENZIE HOPE VIRGINI BALLARD arrested in connection with a dog who was found wandering in Caroline County

- Virginia, USA -

On August 24, 2025, 46-year-old SARA DANIELLE BALLARD (pictured), called Caroline County Animal Control to report that a small, injured dog appeared to have wandered on a property in the Belmont subdivision of Carmel Church and added that the dog had been wandering the neighborhood.

Animal Control Deputy, M. E. Bullock responded to the location and found a small terrier dog whom she described as emaciated, with open sores, pus draining from his/her face, and a strong odor of infection.

Animal Control Deputy, M. E. Bullock immediately arranged veterinary care, and upon examination veterinarians discovered two embedded hair bands tightly constricting the dog’s muzzle. According to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, “The bands had cut deeply into the skin, leaving the dog with severe swelling, infected wounds, and difficulty breathing.”

On September 4, 2025, the sheriff's office took to Facebook to reach out to the public for assistance and shared two pictures of the furvictim.

At the time, Caroline County Sheriff C. Scott Moser said: “The cruelty inflicted on this innocent animal is disturbing and unacceptable. Our Animal Control Division will use every resource available to identify and hold accountable the individual responsible.”

A few weeks later, the sheriff’s office indeed identified the individuals responsible!

SARA DANIELLE BALLARD, and her daughter, 18-year-old MAKENZIE HOPE VIRGINI BALLARD (also pictured), were arrested on September 29, 2025.

A tip submitted to the sheriff’s office enabled Animal Control Deputies to identify the daughter as the dog’s guardian.

The mother was charged with felony animal cruelty, obstructing justice, and filing a false police report. After her arrest, she was taken before a magistrate where she was released on a $3,500 unsecured bond, pending further court proceedings.

The daughter was charged with felony animal cruelty. She was taken before a magistrate and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond, pending further court proceedings.

Court records show that mother and daughter, both of Ruther Glen, are scheduled to appear at Caroline General District Court on October 10, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Caroline County Sheriff C. Scott Moser said in a written statement: “Cases of animal cruelty are often heartbreaking, but this case also shows the power of our community working together. Because one citizen came forward, we were able to uncover what we believe to be the truth and take action. We are grateful for the public’s support and remain committed to protecting both the people and animals of Caroline County.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. 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 Caroline County Sheriff’s Office

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!

MARK T. PTOMEY, founder and president of Pets and Wildlife Sanctuaries, arrested after ninety-eight animals were rescued from his home out of which he operated an animal rescue

- Delaware, USA -

Forty-nine cats, forty-two dogs, and seven small animals were found living in horrible conditions in a home in New Castle where 39-year-old MARK T. PTOMEY (pictured), operated the animal rescue Pets and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Inc.

According to the press release by the Delaware Division of Public Health, on September 24, 2025, a search warrant was executed at the home as part of an investigation that Delaware Animal Services conducted jointly with New Castle County Code Enforcement.

All of the animals “were found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions,” stated the release.

The release went on to say: “Inside the residence, a strong ammonia odor from excessive animal waste filled the air. Pets were found in cramped, filthy conditions with crates stacked throughout the home among trash and clutter. Pet waste caked the floors, walls, and cages in the pest-infested residence.”

In the yard, officials found cages and kennels containing cats and dogs “in various states of disrepair.” As stated in the release, some of the animals lacked proper housing and shelter from the elements, while others “were living in their own waste.”

As per the press release, animal welfare officers worked throughout the day to remove animals, transport them for care, and collect evidence.

PTOMEY was placed under arrest and charged with sixty-four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, seventy-two dog housing violations, twenty-seven dog licensing violations, and sixty-eight rabies vaccination violations.

PTOMEY was arraigned on October 1, 2025, and released on a ridiculous $231 unsecured bail. He is prohibited from “owning” or “possessing” animals until the case is adjudicated.

The home was condemned by New Castle Code Enforcement due to the deplorable conditions it was in.

Brandywine Valley SPCA advised through a Facebook post that they have taken in all the ninety-eight innocent souls who were removed from PTOMEY’s home and said: “Each is being evaluated and already, our team is treating some of the animals for open wounds, skin conditions, eye and ear infections, and is evaluating them for other issues.”

The shelter desperately needs help to face this new hardship. If you wish and can afford to help out, please, click here. Thank you!

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Delaware Division of Public Health. 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.

Pictures shared from Delaware Division of Public Health and Brandywine Valley SPCA

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!