Animal cruelty case resolved
An animal cruelty case involving more than 80 animals confiscated Sept. 23, 2008 has been resolved. A search warrant was obtained by the Lee County Sheriff’s Dept. for property on Jackson Road in Fort Myers. Animals confiscated from the property were found to be living in extremely unsanitary conditions, exposed to toxic air quality levels, and suffering from a lack of medical care and food.
The property was leased by a local rescue organization know as “My Best Friend, Inc.” whose owner, Carrie Cagata, originally faced 120 charges of animal cruelty and abandonment. Cagata pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges of animal abuse. She received two years probation, $2,000 in fines plus court costs and cost of prosecution. In addition she must perform 400 hours of community service and cannot have contact with any animals during her probation period other than the pets she currently owns.
James Cullen, the caretaker of the property on Jackson Road, previously pled guilty to charges in this case on March 24, 2009. He received 300 days in jail, 12 months probation, and over $1,900 in fines and court costs.
In October 2008, Lee County Domestic Animal Services was awarded custody of the animals confiscated in the case. Despite the medical conditions of many of the pets, most were able to be adopted into new homes or were claimed their legal owners. More than $70,000 of treatment and training was required to increase their adoptability.
Lee County’s Animal Care Trust Fund provides medical assistance for homeless, sick, injured, and abused pets. Anyone who would like to assist pets like those confiscated for cruelty in the Cagata case may send their donation to Animal Care Trust Fund, c/o Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33912. Anyone who can offer assistance by fostering pets in need until they are ready for adoption may call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) for information. Foster applications are also available online at www.LeeLostPets.com.
Animals surrendered in cruelty case
The owner of 15 dogs and one cat confiscated for cruelty Wednesday, August 26, has surrendered the animals to Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS).
Charles Sharp who resided at 13308 Fourth Street in Fort Myers Shores claimed ownership of 15 of the animals. Wayne Wilson who also resided at the address claimed one of the dogs.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant to enter the home and found the animals living in extreme amounts of feces and waste. The dogs suffered from skin conditions as a result of their unsanitary living conditions and a severe tick infestation in the home. Several were also malnourished. The Building Inspector’s Office has condemned the home and found it to be a dangerous building, unfit for human occupancy.
LCDAS has responded to numerous calls in the past from complaints about the stench coming from the home which is owned by Robert Tracey. Tracey currently has previous animal cruelty charges pending from April 2008. He was not at home at the time the animals were confiscated on August 26.
Several of the dogs will be available for adoption at Animal Services and the rest are being transferred to rescue organizations or foster care for extended medical treatment and care. Pets fostered by volunteers for LCDAS are assisted through the Animal Care Trust Fund which pays for medical treatment until the animal is ready for adoption.
Anyone who would like to help these and other pets suffering from abuse and neglect may send donations to Animal Care Trust Fund, c/o Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Information about fostering pets is available at www.LeeLostPets.com or at (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS).