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Man Accused Of Starving Horses Free On Bond; Several Horses Remain On Property
February 6, 2011
The Walnut Hill man accused of starving 10 horses is free on bond as he awaits trial on multiple animal cruelty charges.
James Benjamin Bethea, 61, has been released from the Escambia County Jail on $9,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Michael Allen on February 24 for an arraignment hearing on two felony and eight misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
One of the horses allegedly starved by Bethea was euthanized by a veterinarian Wednesday afternoon in a pasture in the 5000 block of Highway 97A in Enon. Nine others were seized by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and transported to an animal clinic for medical care.
About 10 other horses remained in Bethea’s pasture as of Saturday afternoon. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies have checked on the horses several times since Wednesday to ensure they were receiving food and water.
For an earlier report about the horses and more photos, click here.
Pictured top: One of nine horses being seized Wednesday in the Enon community. Pictured inset: This horse was in critical condition, unable to stand even with assistance. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
13 Responses to “Man Accused Of Starving Horses Free On Bond; Several Horses Remain On Property”
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Debbie, here’s what unchainyourdog provided concerning potential for punishment of his two felony and eight misdemeanor charges:
“Felony “CAUSE CRUEL DEATH PAIN AND SUFFERING ANIMALS” ~ FL Animal Cruelty Statute 828.12 (2). The 8 misdemeanors for the other horses seized: “TORMENT DEPRIVE MUTILATE KILL ANIMAL” 828.12 (1)
Starving an animal to the point of imminent death is not a *mistake*. It’s a criminal action and can get him up to 5 years in state prison and $10,000 fine on each felony charge. Each misdemeanor charge can bring 1 year in prison and $2,500 fine. Regardless of the economy, his actions were criminal.”
There was also a public meeting recently with law enforcement and humane society officials to reenforce exactly to what degree animal abusers can be charged. It was advised that in all cases, the Florida state statutes be applied and NOT local county statutes or ordinances. The state laws provide more punch than a mere slap on the wrist.
Laws and punishment could always be tougher but the existing ones will certainly make an impact IF people are watchful for and report animal abuse; then support law enforcement and judicial efforts following an arrest. We must be their voice.
I’m not defending this cruel man but if his bail was $9,000.00, he would have only had to put up %10 of that to get out. Still a lot of money that could have gone to feed. I’m wondering why PER did’nt take the horses. I doubt somebody is going to go by there everyday to make sure they are fed properly.
PLEASE get those horses AWAY from this individual, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law – and PLEASE CREATE STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT AND ABUSE!!!!
If you could afford 9,000 for bond to get out of jail, then you could have used this same money to feed your horses with….SHAME ON YOU!! If someone helped you with this money….SHAME ON THEM!!!
per the report above “About 10 other horses remained in Bethea’s pasture as of Saturday afternoon. Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies have checked on the horses several times since Wednesday to ensure they were receiving food and water.’
I’m sure they will be watching him to be sure he is feeding them.
If the other horses are not in immediate danger there is no need or cause to take them until the court so orders. Where are they going to put 10 horses? Your house?
Let the law and courts work through it legally so he can never have animals again – mess it up and he is back to square one.
Wish i could love and take them
WHY DOES HE STILL HAVE HORSES AT HIS HOME ……..TAKE THEM AWAY……
Let’s see – he can afford bond, but he can’t feed/take care of his horses. Amazing!
Why are the animals still there ?
I could never imagine showing cruelty toward any animal…it seems we hear more everyday of this happening. I can’t understand why anyone would want to keep animals and neglect them…no food..no water and left out in the elements to grow to weak to even stand….here is some food for thought on the subject…lets have their owner go without food and water and stand out in the freezing rain, until they are too weak to stand up…it is my belief if a person is cruel to an animal, its just as easy for them to be cruel to a human!