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TOMI ALAYA THAYER, TOMMY ALLEN THAYER and KAREN CHRISTINE CURTIS accused of killing two dogs

- Michigan USA -


The investigation into the death of two innocent Pitbulls discovered on August 4, 2022, led to the arrest of 23-years-old TOMI ALAYA THAYER, her father, 53-years-old TOMMY ALLEN THAYER, and the father’s girlfriend, 60-years-old KAREN CHRISTINE CURTIS (all pictured).


Ingham County Animal Control said in a news release that on the evening of August 4, 2022, the agency responded behind the Boys and Girls Club on 4315 Pleasant Grove Road in Lansing, about a report of two dogs being shot.

Dan Verhougstraete, Deputy Director of ICAC told WLNS 6 News that the call came in to the Lansing Police Department.


Responding officers found two deceased dogs “with apparent gunshot wounds.”

Several local law enforcement agencies assisted Ingham County Animal Control officers with the criminal investigation and Deputy Director Verhougstraete said that an anonymous tip helped track down the accused.

Ingham County Animal Control said the community support is something they are grateful for.

Deputy Director Verhougstraete explained: “They work hand in hand with us. I mean, one of these confidential tips really did help us get to that next step in the investigation and that’s direct result, you know, of how these warrants came about.”


Ingham County Animal Control said that on November 5 and November 8, 2022, the murderers were arraigned for the following charges:


TOMI ALAYA THAYER:

Two counts aiding and abetting the killing of an animal.

One count conspiracy to commit the killing of an animal.

On count carrying concealed weapon.

One count larceny of a firearm.

She was released on a personal recognizance bond and has a probable cause hearing on November 18, 2022, at 9 a.m.



TOMMY ALLEN THAYER:

Two counts killing of an animal.

One count conspiracy to commit the killing of an animal.

One count carrying concealed weapon

One count felon in possession of a firearm.

He is being held in the Ingham County Jail on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on November 18, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Tony Flores.



KAREN CHRISTINE CURTIS:

One count conspiracy to commit the killing of an animal.

She was released on her own recognizance and has a probable cause hearing on November 18, 2022, at 8:30 a.m.


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.




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COLEON LEQUEZ WRIGHT accused of starving two puppies with one found dead

Updated: Oct 20, 2022

- Michigan, USA -


On October 14, 2022, Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson held a news conference to announce the arrest of 22-years-old COLEON LEQUEZ WRIGHT (pictured), accused of starving two puppies with one found dead.


Sheriff Swanson said that on October 6, a person called the sheriff’s office after finding the carcass of a young puppy and another puppy who was alive but “nearly dead.”


Investigators were immediately dispatched to a property in Flint and from an initial investigation it emerged that approximately on September 1, WRIGHT took possession of a 4-week-old puppy named Bully. Within approximately a 30-day period, WRIGHT realized that he could not afford to feed Bully and his big sister Bitsy who is 9 months old. Bully is the puppy who was found deceased. “Instead of getting help,” said Sheriff Swanson, WRIGHT “let the little puppy starve to death.”


Investigators learned that for four days Bully was left without food or water and was never taken to the vet. Sheriff Swanson said investigators got there just in time to rescue Bitsy.


WRIGHT has been charged with two counts of felony killing/torturing animals and one misdemeanor count of abandoning/cruelty to two or three animals.


According to online arrest records, WRIGHT was released after posting bond and court records show that he is expected back in court on October 20,2022, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge G. David Guinn.


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.




The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office kindly provided Voice For Us with Bully’s pictures.


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Macomb County veterinarian facing charges after being caught on video abusing a German Shepherd

Updated: Oct 23, 2022

- Michigan, USA -



~ Update: October 23, 2022


The veterinarian who was seen in an upsetting video choking and slamming his German Shepherd named Josie, has been identified as 52-years-old WAYNE ALBERT GILCHRIST (pictured), and the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has charged him with one misdemeanor count of animals-abandoning/cruelty to one animal.


GILCHRIST, who owns Companion Animal Care Clinic in Shelby Township with his wife, Dr. Janine Tryban, was arraigned on October 21, 2022, in the 42nd District Court in Romeo.

GILCHRIST’s defense attorney, Paul Stockyj, entered a not guilty plea for his client. He argued that the video shows his client disciplining Josie.

According to The Detroit News, Stockyj said the video will never be admitted into evidence. Stockyj told Judge Jennifer Andary: “There is a procedure, it's called an alpha roll, where you can take that dog down. It's not inappropriate to grab the dog by a collar in this particular case.”


The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior does not condone the “alpha roll.”


Macomb County Chief Animal Control Deputy Jeff Randazzo took the stand and said that in the video, Josie is trying to hide from GILCHRIST, but he pursues the dog and then acts on the furbaby violently. Randazzo also pointed out about GILCHRIST: “He also states in video, ‘Don't let dog out.’ He knows he wants to get his hands on that dog.”


Addressing GILCHRIST, Judge Andary said: “You had an obligation, sir, to de-escalate, not seek an animal or human out, but as charged here today, sir, you have an obligation, not only pursuant to your training and expertise, but as a human being to de-escalate a situation and not make it worse. You did not do that.”


According to Click On Detroit, GILCHRIST “was given a $25,000/10% bond and bond conditions that state he is to have no contact with animals whatsoever, enroll in cognitive therapy, no drugs or alcohol with testing three times a month, and no aggressive or threatening behavior.”

WXYZ reports that it was also ordered that three dogs removed from GILCHRIST’s home shall not be returned, but Stockyj “seems poised to fight that and also get the cell phone video tossed out, calling it hearsay.”


GILCHRIST’s pre-trial is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.



~ Original story:

A distressing video posted on YouTube showing a male abusing a German Shepherd prompted the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office to open an investigation.

As a result, Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido authorized animal cruelty charges against the male in the video who happens to be a licensed veterinarian.


The veterinarian, whose name not been revealed because he has not been arraigned yet, can be seen in the footage beating, choking, and slamming his own German Shepherd named Josie, in his Ray Township home, while Josie can be heard crying and yelping.


According to Detroit Free Press, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said the video was filmed by a child in the house, who later posted it to YouTube. Hackel also said that the “incredibly graphic” footage showed the vet has a “high-intensity” temperament and that “the sheriff’s department was investigating the possibility of other forms of abuse in the household.”


On Monday, October 17, 2022, Prosecutor Lucido authorized a misdemeanor charge of animals - abandoning/cruelty to one animal after conferring with veterinary experts.


Macomb County Animal Control examined Josie and determined that she was not hurt and that she bit a juvenile and a puppy in the vet’s home.


Hackel and Chief Animal Control Officer Jeff Randazzo explained in a video posted on Facebook that Josie was removed and is now being cared for at animal control with two other dogs who were also removed from the vet’s home.


Hackel said: “It’s sad (the dogs) had to be removed because, you know, there is a connection with the kids and the wife. But because that subject in that home, just by his actions, there’s no question we had to get these dogs out of there for their own protection and for their own good.”


Randazzo said the dogs will be placed in “very experienced” foster care and trainers will start working with them.


Hackel called the actions against the dog “very inappropriate” and said they could lead to questioning of the man’s license.


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.




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