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- North Carolina, USA -


The Gastonia Police Department arrested 41-year-old corporal VINCENT CLAY COSTNER II (pictured).


The arrest warrant accuses COSTNER of torturing a black 1 year and 4-month-old Great Dane on March 31, 2025, causing “unjustifiable pain and suffering.”


Gastonia Police said they launched an investigation into COSTNER earlier this year when “concerns were brought to the attention of local authorities.”


The investigation resulted in COSTNER’s arrest on April 28, 2025. COSTNER was booked into the Gaston County Jail on one felony count of cruelty to animals and was released less than half an hour later after posting a $5,000 bond.


Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conrad expressed his disappointment and said: “I am deeply disappointed by this situation. We hold our officers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. No one — especially those who are entrusted with protecting the public — is above the law.


COSTNER has been with the department since December 15, 2020, and his current employment status is unknown.


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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.


COSTNER’s mugshots shared from the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office.


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






- North Carolina, USA -

 

The Gaston County Police Department arrested 32-years-old CARL LEE POSTON (pictured), following an investigation conducted by Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement.

 

In a media release, police said that on February 17, 2024, Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement (GCACE) responded to a residence on Boulder Court in Gastonia  in reference to an animal cruelty investigation.  Upon arrival, officers found a dog, a black male Doodle named Bentley, who was in need of shelter.

 

GCACE then contacted a community partner who assisted by providing Bentley with a new doghouse, straw bedding, and a water bucket.  According to the press release, during this visit, it was discovered that Bentley “had severely matted fur and a wound on his neck that was possibly infected.”

 

GCACE said they were told vultures were close to Bentley, but none were around when officers were at the scene. Still, GCACE called the reports of vultures “concerning” and told Bentley’s guardian, POSTON, that Bentley would need to be seen by a veterinarian by the end of the day.

 

Police said that later that day Bentley and POSTON, “were escorted to an emergency vet for a medical assessment.” According to the vet, Bentley needed further medical treatment involving sedation, medical grooming, and wound treatment outside the capabilities of their facility.

 

The following day, February 18,  2024, Bentley was taken to a veterinarian clinic where he was “sedated, medically groomed, and the wound on his neck was flushed.”  After an antibiotic shot, Bentley was released from care with a follow up appointment in ten-fourteen days.

 

In an update, police advised that following days of close work with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, GCACE obtained warrants for POSTON’s arrest.

On February 20, 2024, the Gaston County Police Department’s FAST team arrested POSTON on two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

 

Police said that Bentley will remain in GCACE’s care as evidence with an approved foster family.

 

As Gaston Police rightfully pointed out: “Responsible animal ownership requires an animal owner to provide sufficient shelter, food and water for their animals.  Additionally, animal owners are required to keep their animals updated on vaccinations and provide them with necessary vet care.”

 

When you decide to add a furmember to your family, UNDERSTAND and REMEMBER that he/she is a lifetime commitment, and his/her life depends on you! If at some point you feel  you want to break that commitment, reach out to your local shelter for help!

 

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.

Please note that details may be removed or new information added should such sources report an update.

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.

 

 

POSTON’s mugshot shared from the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office






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