- North Carolina, USA -
Pitt County authorities arrested 37-year-old MICHAEL JOSEPH WHEELER (pictured).
WHEELER is accused of abandoning his 1-year-old mix mutt named Franky in front of the Pitt County Animal Shelter and driving away. The incident happened on April 14, 2025.
A spokesperson for the Greenville Animal Protective Services tells me that WHEELER “attempted to surrender the dog at the shelter and the shelter staff requested he come back at 1pm when they opened. Instead, he went out to his truck, unhooked the dog from its leash and drove off. The shelter director witnessed the dog running after the truck and was able to save the dog from oncoming traffic.”
The incident was reported to Greenville Animal Protective Services. The agency was able to track the truck on nearby cameras and identified WHEELER as the driver.
WHEELER was taken into custody on May 1, 2025. He told Greenville Animal Protective Services officers he had just found the dog. However, officers were able to confirm that he was in fact Franky’s guardian through veterinary records and photos. Additionally, officers were able to determine that Franky was not given proper shelter, food and water.
WHEELER, of Farmville, was charged with abandonment of an animal, cruelty to animals, and a leash law violation, all misdemeanors. He was released from the Pitt County Jail after posting a $500 bond.
Court records show that WHEELER is scheduled to be back in court on May 19, 2025, at 8:55 a.m. before Judge William Brian Desoto.
As for Franky, I was told he “was going to be or already has been adopted” and I was advised to reach out to Pitt County Animal Shelter for additional information and pictures.
I am sorry I cannot confirm Franky’s status but Pitt County Animal Shelter NEVER responds to my emails!
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the arrest warrant and information obtained from Greenville Animal Protective Services. 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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WHEELER’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Pitt County Sheriff's Office.
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