KERRIE L. SWICK accused of causing her Labrador retriever to suffer from heat stroke, resulting in the dog being euthanized

- Illinois, USA -

The Joliet Police Department announced the arrest of 58-year-old KERRIE L. SWICK (pictured).

SWICK is accused of causing her 14-year-old Labrador retriever named Bear to suffer from heat stroke, the severity of which meant Bear sadly had to be euthanized.

Police said that on July 2, 2025, Joliet Township Animal Control alerted them to possible animal cruelty at a residence in the 500 block of Springwood Drive.

Animal Control told police that on that day, SWICK contacted the agency in the morning and requested assistance in moving Bear from the backyard to a vehicle so that he could be taken to a vet for an evaluation.

When an Animal Control representative responded to the residence, they found Bear in the backyard “without proper shelter, food, or water”, stated the press release by Joliet police. Animal Control learned that Bear had been outside since approximately 8:00 p.m. the prior evening.

Bear appeared to be in grave condition and was taken to a veterinary center in Plainfield where it was determined that he had an internal temperature of 110 degrees and suffered a heat stroke.

Police said that due to Bear’s poor medical condition, he was sadly euthanized.

The case was reviewed by the Will County State’s Attorney Office, and a felony count of aggravated animal cruelty against SWICK was thankfully approved!

SWICK was arrested on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, and at the time of writing, records show that she is being held at the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Joliet 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.

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DESTINY LASHAY BRAY and FREDERICK LEE PINKNEY arrested for neglecting three Pitbulls

- Florida, USA -

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department arrested 36-year-old DESTINY LASHAY BRAY and 41-year-old FREDERICK LEE PINKNEY (both pictured).

According to the affidavit provided to Voice For Us, on June 27, 2025, an officer responded to a residence in the 600 block of NW 14th Ter in Fort Lauderdale to investigate an animal complaint involving three dogs.

Upon arrival, the officer found a brown and white Pitbull named Thor, a black and white Pitbull named Lady, and a gray 3-month-old Pitbull puppy named Pleasure. The officer reported that all three of them were “confined on the property inside of a privacy fence.”

Thor was wandering around the fenced area and did not have access to shelter, food, or water. The officer reported that there were numerous skin abrasions under Thor’s armpits as well as on top of the head.

Lady was emaciated and was shaking in a small metal cage in which she was confined. Lady’s rib cage was protruding from her skin and her hip bones. The floor of the cage was wet plywood covered in feces and the food and water bowls inside the cage were empty. According to the affidavit, the enclosure was bound shut and Animal Control Officers had to cut the tie that was holding it together.

Pleasure was confined outside in a black kennel covered in urine and feces which was swarming with flies. The poor puppy did not have any food or water and appeared to be emaciated with her rib cage sticking out with a bloated belly. Pleasure had several skin patches that appeared to be untreated. The affidavit goes on to state that Pleasure shook from being so malnourished, and ran to eat bugs and drink dirty water on scene.

Eventually the officer was able to make contact with BRAY who stated that the dogs were hers and added that she had been living at that address for over a year.

BRAY told the officer that she took care of her dogs on a daily basis and said she was aware of the dogs’ medical conditions. BRAY told the officer that the other puppies of the litter died. The affidavit did not mention how many Innocent Souls lost their precious lives.

BRAY went on to say that she and PINKNEY kept Pleasure outside because they did not want the puppy pooping in the house. She said they were moving and did not want the smell of the dogs inside the property.

BRAY and PINKNEY were charged with three misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and three misdemeanor counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise.

When police arrested PINKNEY, he was out on bond for an unrelated case.

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Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the probable cause affidavit provided to Voice For Us by the Fort Lauderdale 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.

Mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the Broward County Sheriff's Office

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DANIELLE D. MCGINNIS arrested for leaving multiple animals to die in an abandoned house

- Florida, USA -

The Edgewater Police Department announced the arrest of 57-year-old DANIELLE D. MCGINNIS (pictured) in connection with what police called “a tragic and disturbing case of prolonged neglect”.

On the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive to investigate a report of possible animal abuse.

Officers learned MCGINNIS had moved out of the residence one year ago. When they entered the home, they found “deplorable living conditions, including widespread animal feces and severe disrepair, rendering the property uninhabitable”, stated the release by the Edgewater Police Department.

As officers were walking through the home, they discovered the remains of three birds, two cats, and two dogs. Police said the poor souls were in advanced stages of decomposition. Investigators believe birds, cats, and dogs died from prolonged starvation and dehydration as there were no signs of food or water for them.

According to police, neighbors confirmed they had not seen MCGINNIS at the residence in nearly a year.

Police said Edgewater Animal Control removed the deceased animals from the property “for respectful handling and appropriate final disposition.”

The department then took to Facebook to seek public assistance with MCGINNIS’ whereabouts. On June 28, 2025, an update advised that thanks to the swift response and support from the community, MCGINNIS was tracked down in Daytona Beach.

Officers interviewed her about the animals who were found deceased at the abandoned home and “she admitted to leaving the animals inside the home when she moved out a year ago”, stated the release.

MCGINNIS claimed she asked a “friend” to look after the birds, cats, and dogs but she was unable to give the friend’s name or contact information. MCGINNIS further admitted that she never went back to the home to check on the animals.

MCGINNIS was arrested and charged with seven felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death. She was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail and at the time of writing, records show she’s still behind bars on a $70,000 bond.

Police expressed their gratitude to the community for their assistance and said: “Thank you for helping us protect those who can’t speak for themselves 🐾”

A statement issued by the Edgewater Police Department read: “This was a disturbing and entirely preventable tragedy. If you cannot care for your animals — there is no excuse to leave them behind. There are resources available. You can surrender animals to local shelters. You can ask for help. But letting innocent pets starve to death alone is criminal, heartless, and will not be tolerated in our community. If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, report it immediately. EPD will investigate, and we will pursue justice. Animals don’t have a voice — be theirs.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Edgewater 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.

MCGINNIS’ mugshot shared from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

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