top of page

ALL POSTS

Search

MELISSA M. LEBLANC and DOUG STEPHEN RUSSELL arrested for machete attack on a dog and animal abuse

- Louisiana, USA -


An investigation into animal cruelty allegations at a residence on 214 Murray Hill Drive in Destrehan, concluded with the rescue of several injured and malnourished dogs and the arrest of 48-year-old MELISSA M. LEBLANC and 49-year-old DOUG STEPHEN RUSSELL (pictured).


The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said in a press release that when deputies and Animal Control Officers responded to the residence, they spoke with LEBLAND and RUSSEL and learned that RUSSELL had used a machete to discipline a dog who was attacking another dog. The incident took place the night before so the injured dog was left with his/her injuries untreated until he/she was finally rescued by officials.


Deputies found a machete in the front yard of the residence believed to be the one used on the dog.


Once officials entered the residence, they found the conditions inside to be “deplorable” and found “multiple emaciated and injured dogs throughout the house.”


Animal Control Officers removed the dogs from the residence and took them to the St. Charles Parish animal shelter to be evaluated and treated.


LEBLANC and RUSSELL were placed under arrest and booked into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.


LEBLANC is facing seven counts of simple animal cruelty and seven counts of rabies vaccinations (required).


RUSSELL was charged with seven counts of simple animal cruelty, seven counts of rabies vaccinations (required), and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty.


At the time of writing, online records show that the pair are being held in the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center.


# # #


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the St. Charles Parish 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.


RUSSELL’s mugshot shared from the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office




 
 
 

MARK ROOSEVELT FIELDS found guilty of stabbing his cousin’s dog who had to be euthanized

- Maryland, USA -


Following a two-day trial, on January 10, 2025, a Calvert County jury convicted 39-year-old MARK ROOSEVELT FIELDS (pictured) on aggravated animal cruelty and dangerous weapons charges.


At trial, evidence revealed that on the early evening of May 29, 2024, FIELDS stabbed his cousin’s dog following a family dispute. The incident took place at a residence in the 2000 block of Andelina Road in Prince Frederick.


Calvert County State’s Attorney Robert H. Harvey Jr. tells me that the furvictim was a 5-year-old male American Pitbull Terrier mix named Ice and that his guardians had raised him since he was a puppy.


The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the incident and when deputies arrived at the home, they learned from Ice’s guardians that FIELDS came onto their property with a knife and was calling for Ice’s male guardian whom I will refer to as Mr. McK


Mrs. McK came out and told FILEDS that he was not supposed to be there and asked him why he had a knife. FIELDS told Mrs. McK to go get her husband and added that he was leaving.


Mrs. McK went back inside and as she was telling her husband that FIELDS was outside, FIELDS stabbed Ice.


Ice was rushed to Mid-Atlantic Animal Specialty Hospital (MASH) in Huntingtown. Veterinarians told Mr. and Mrs. McK that the knife had possibly caused an arterial bleed and advised that even with critical care, the prognosis was not good. Sadly, Ice was euthanized due to the extent of the injuries he sustained.


Calvert County Animal Control Officer Alexis King responded to the scene and following an investigation, FIELDS was arrested and charged with two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and one felony count of animal cruelty.


On June 3, 2024, during a bail review hearing, Judge Robert B. Riddle ordered FIELDS to be held be held without bond and he has remained in custody throughout the legal process.


FIELDS will be sentenced on March 14, 2025. Until that time, he will be held without bond at the Calvert County Detention Center. He is facing up to only six years in prison.


# # #


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Calvert County States’ Attorney’s Office.

Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.


FIELDS’ mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office


Ice’s photo provided to Voice For Us by the Calvert County States’ Attorney’s Office





 
 
 

ROBERT MICHAEL PHILLIPS JR. sentenced to 51 days in jail after 40 dogs were rescued from his home

- Ohio, USA -


On January 9, 2025, 43-year-old ROBERT MICHAEL PHILLIPS JR. (pictured), was sentenced after forty dogs were removed from his home on 7474 Kilbourne Road in Kingston Township.


It all started in April 2024 following a video that surfaced on social media showing the living conditions of the dogs. Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett obtained a warrant from Delaware Municipal Court Judge Kyle Rohrer.


On April 7, 2024, the staff of the Delaware County Dog Shelter went to the home in question and removed forty dogs, most of them were Pitbulls or Pitbull mixes.


The poor souls were found tied with heavy chains living in mud and standing water with only blue barrels to shield them from the elements. Many of them were found to be underweight.


Mr. Garrett said it took about three hours to remove all the dogs and mentioned the assistance of the Humane Society of Delaware County, the Marion County Dog Warden’s Office, the Morrow County Humane Agent, and the nonprofit Rico Pet Recovery.


When officials arrived at the home, PHILLIPS was not present so no charges were immediately issued.


According to a press release by Jane Hawes, Director of Communications for Delaware County, Mr. Garrett stated: “Mr. Phillips has been known to us for several years. Previous visits had found only six dogs, all in good health. Complaints continued to come in, but, in recent years, no one would complete a witness statement that would enable the Dog Shelter staff to act.”


On the night of April 5, 2024, the staff of the Delaware County Dog Shelter received a statement “alleging many more dogs on the property than were previously known and that they had been observed in abusive conditions”, stated the release.

With the statement and the warrant, the team was able to enter PHILLIPS’ home.


PHILLIPS was later charged in Delaware County Municipal Court with thirty misdemeanor counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals.


On April 17, 2024, PHILLIPS failed to appear in court and a judge assigned custody of the dogs to the Delaware County Dog Shelter.


On January 9, 2025, PHILLIPS was sentenced to only fifty-one days in jail and nearly $3,000 in fines.


# # #


Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.


PHILLIPS’ mugshot shared from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office



ree


 
 
 

Subscribe Form

© 2025 Voice For Us

Privacy Policy

FAQ

bottom of page