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The latest animal cruelty news for the Central Florida area can be found at Voices For Ella Central Florida.
Victory for the Animals and Citizens of Central Florida!
Sentencing for Christine Dawn Abrams was on December 4, 2008
On Thursday, Dec 4th, there was a significant and history-making victory for the animals of Brevard County and all of Florida. Christine Dawn Abrams was found guilty of 2 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty by Brevard County Judge Kelly McKibben. Abrams was sentenced to a surprising 8 months in jail, 12 months of probation, community service, $5,000 in fines (the max allowed by law), and ordered to pay all court costs. Her sentencing was very close to what Prosecutor Michael Raska requested.
While this sentence is not 'the max' sentence, it is a big step in the right direction, not just for the county, but the entire State of Florida. Neglect is not typically taken seriously by Prosecutors and Judges, even though the suffering of a neglected animal is often severe. Typical sentences for cases of neglect in the State of Florida include only probation and maybe a little community service. The sentencing issued by Judge McKibben on the 4th was very comprehensive, and will set a precedent for future cases of neglect.
Watch the hearing
Brutus was Adopted!
Brutus was adopted out by the SPCA in Titusville. If you would like to donate to them so that they can continue to shelter animals humanely and find them homes, please visit their website, SPCA of North Brevard.
Read more about Brutus
Update: Dog Shooter Faces Felony Charges
Letters Needed Now! On May 19th, 2008, Hoochie and Raley were shot multiple times near Narcoossee Rd, leaving Hoochie with only one eye. The shooter is now facing two counts of felony animal cruelty. Get ready to rally! Let's show officials that we want the shooter to face a jury trial and the maximum sentence for his actions. No plea deals for animal shooters!
See more about the Husky Case
Ella was a White German Shepherd that was Starved to Death in Cocoa, FL
Ella was a 1 year old white German shepherd from Cocoa, Florida.She was found dead in her crate in March of 2008, after her owner admittedly abandoned her. Christine Abrams was arrested in March for felony animal cruelty. When formal charges were filed, the State Attorney dropped the charges down to misdemeanor animal cruelty. Shortly after that, an additional misdemeanor count of unlawful confinement was added.
According to veterinary records, Ella's leg was amputated in November 2007, which was only two months prior to when Ella was reportedly abandoned. The records indicate a leash became tightly wrapped around Ella's back leg after she had been left alone and tethered overnight. By the time Abrams returned home one night, Ella's leg was badly swollen. The vet provided two options: skin grafts costing up to $4,000 or amputation. Abrams elected amputation. Ella only had 3 legs when she died.
Abrams was adjudicated Guilty for leaving Ella to starve to death in the crate only a few feet from a bag of food and bottle of water.
"Never doubt that a small group of concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead, American Anthropologist