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CHARLES JOSEPH THESSING pastor of St. Michael’s Church, arrested for animal cruelty in the death of cats

Updated: 5 days ago

- Arkansas, USA -


~ Update: December 16, 2025


On Monday, December 8, 2025, in Crittenden County Circuit Court, 64-year-old CHARLES JOSEPH THESSING (pictured), pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.


In February 2025, the West Memphis Police Department arrested THESSING in connection with an animal cruelty case involving two cats who according to the police had been drowned.


At the time, THESSING was a priest at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Crawfordsville and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in West Memphis.


The month following his arrest, in March 2025, he was suspended indefinitely by the Diocese pending the investigation.


On Monday, Judge Dan Ritchey did not sentence THESSING to any jail time and did not mention any probation either. Judge Ritchey simply ordered THESSING to pay $2,250 in restitution to the West Memphis Animal Shelter.


According to a publication of the Catholic Church, THESSING has been appointed to begin a new assignment in the Diocese of Shreveport on January 1, 2026.

 

~ Original story:


The West Memphis Police Department arrested 63-year-old CHARLES JOSEPH THESSING (pictured), in connection with an animal cruelty case involving two cats who according to the police appeared to have been drowned.


Although the police did not release THESSING’s name, online arrest records maintained by the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office list THESSING as being charged with two felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.


THESSING is a priest at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Crawfordsville and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in West Memphis.


On February 7, 2025, West Memphis Animal Control received a video which then prompted the police to execute a search warrant at THESSING’s residence.


According to police, officers uncovered evidence of animal cruelty. They found animal traps and sadly, they also found two deceased cats. Police said the furvictims appeared to have been drowned in a tank of water at THESSING’s residence.


Arrest records show that THESSING was arrested on February 11, 2025, and released the same day after posting bond.


Police did not release the specifics on the case as the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to call the West Memphis Police Department at (870) - 732 - 1210. Thank you!


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Voice For Us Disclaimer: 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.


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




 
 
 

CHRISTINE SNELLING, who runs a pet taxi business, arrested after dogs and pigs seized from her home

- Florida, USA -


On February 7, 2025, patrol deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Keen Road in Frostproof to conduct a well-being check.


According to the press release by the sheriff’s office, as deputies approached the residence, they were overwhelmed by the strong odor of ammonia and saw many dogs running loose inside the home “on a floor covered in feces.”


Deputies also saw a van parked in the driveway that displayed “Road Dawg Animal Rescue Transport.” Deputies further found contact information for 65-year-old CHRISTINE SNELLING (pictured), who turned out to be the owner of the property and the pet taxi business.

Fearing that SNELLING could be in distress, deputies entered the home but she was not there. Deputies found a deceased chicken and many dogs who were in need of medical attention.


At that point, Animal Cruelty Investigators and detectives with the sheriff’s office Agricultural Crime were called in and they took over the investigation. A search warrant was then obtained and executed at the residence. Reportedly, detectives had to wear protective gear to search the home because the smell of ammonia was overwhelming.


The sheriff’s office said that the floor was covered in inches of feces and detectives found flies, mice, and rats. That’s not all, eight dogs and three pigs were also found and removed from the home. None of the animals had access to food or water and there was no running water in the home.


All of the dogs displayed “symptoms of prolonged exposure to ammonia and unsanitary conditions, including respiratory issues, nasal discharge, and eye infections”, stated the release.


SNELLING was arrested and charged with eight misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and eight misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.


I reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about any other possible deceased animals and I was told: “The only confirmed deceased animal found is a bird, possibly a chicken. The home is infested with rats, mice, and flies, and detectives believe it’s highly likely there are also dead rodents inside. However, at this time, only the dead bird has been confirmed.”


With regard to the eight dogs, I learned the following: “They are currently in our custody and being rehabilitated by the veterinary staff at our Animal Control Facility. We do not believe any of them face any life threatening health issues at this time, and none of the animals have been euthanized.”


Polk County Sheriff Grad Judd said: “Ms. Snelling told my investigators she didn’t intend to harm these animals – she simply got overwhelmed by their needs. Caring for animals carries with it a responsibility to provide a healthy environment. There is no excuse for allowing animals to suffer.”

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible, pending medical reports.


At the time of writing, online arrest records show that SNELLING was released from the Polk County Jail on February 10, 2025.


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


SNELLING’s mugshot shared from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office


Pictures in the gallery were provided to Voice For Us by the Polk County Sheriff's Office





 
 
 

GERARDO ANGEL GUZMAN arrested for beating his dog with a wooden weapon

- California, USA -


The Visalia Police Department announced the arrest of 29-year-old GERARDO ANGEL GUZMAN (pictured).


Police said in a press release that on the afternoon of Friday, February 7, 2025, officers were dispatched to a home in the 300 block of NE 2nd Street after receiving a report of animal abuse.


Upon arrival, officers were shown a video in which GUZMAN could be seen beating his dog with a wooden weapon.


The police tell me the dog is a 2-year-old male black Heeler mix named Jay.


When officers attempted to contact GUZMAN, he barricaded himself inside his home and began to threaten the officers. At some point GUZMAN exited the residence to assault officers but was caught and placed under arrest.


Animal Control removed Jay from the home and according to the press release, he suffered minor injuries. I have emailed Animal Control to inquire about Jay’s wellbeing and if I get a response, I will post an update.


GUZMAN was transported to Kaweah Health for medical clearance and was later booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on charges of animal cruelty, battery on a peace officer, suspicion of resisting, and delaying or obstructing an office by force or threat of force.


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


GUZMAN’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office





 
 
 

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