State Attorney’s Office Charges Molino Man With Animal Abuse

April 6, 2012


A Molino man has been charged by the State Attorney’s Office in connection with 65 animals that were found starving in Molino last December.

James Russell Williams, age 61 of Bet Raines Road, was charged with animal abuse, two counts of unlawful confinement of animals and two counts of unlawful disposal of dead animals. Early Friday, he remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $2,500.

On December 9, Escambia County Animal Control officres seized 18 donkeys, six miniature horses, four goats, 12 peacocks and 25 pigs in poor condition from a property near Molino.

Williams had been hired by the property owner as caretaker for the animals, according to Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille.  The owner was in the hospital at the time of the seizure. The property owner later passed away.

For more photos, click here.

Pictured top: Hay is delivered to starving donkeys December 9, 2011, near Molino. Pictured left: An Escambia County Animal Control Officers feeds a donkey an apple. Pictured below: Another county animal control officer documents conditions.  NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

12 Responses to “State Attorney’s Office Charges Molino Man With Animal Abuse”

  1. Dawn on April 7th, 2012 4:45 am

    All I can say is WOW!! His bond is only $2,500!!! REALLY!! C’mon I know they can do better than that!

  2. Diane Lowery on April 6th, 2012 5:28 pm

    Panhandle Equine Rescue would once again like to thank the community for their donations to help with the emergency hay and vet bills. PER successfully rescued all the donkeys and minis. Sadly, one of the donkeys did not survive. All the others were placed in good homes.

  3. Kristy and Nathan Freeman on April 6th, 2012 4:04 pm

    R.I.P Mr. Foster!

    If these animals need new homes then let reliable people that can take care of them adopt them. My husband and I would be willing to help.

  4. David Huie Green on April 6th, 2012 12:27 pm

    I need a donkey.
    But then I would also need a fence, feed, water, shelter, etc.

    Never mind

  5. JM on April 6th, 2012 11:00 am

    @irs

    Thank you for caring enough to keep calling. Those of us who love animals
    think your one of our hero’s.

  6. irs on April 6th, 2012 9:59 am

    rip mr.foster. i know he always took care of those animals and when he got sick he couldnt care for them.yes someone should be held accountable.my friend called on them twice.one was a lil white donkey that was dying along the fence and another was a rope tied around a minature pony leg and they wouldnt do anything about it.it took mr.foster dying to get it rescued.today he is at a good home and doing really well.the rest was put at a good home.im so happy no more animals had to die because of this man not caring about those animals.diane lowery always responded to every call.

  7. Rodney on April 6th, 2012 9:17 am

    He needs to be charged with FELONY abuse and do time… enough is enough

  8. ME on April 6th, 2012 9:00 am

    When are they coming to get the rest of the peacocks?

  9. carolyn bramblett on April 6th, 2012 8:04 am

    Whatever happened to all of the animals?

  10. 429SCJ on April 6th, 2012 6:46 am

    I wonder what motivates this behavior? If I ever meet one of these jokers, I plan to ask that question.

  11. Jane on April 6th, 2012 5:01 am

    I understand the man who actually owned the animals tried to get someone to care for them and I am so sorry it turned out this way…my sympathy to his family.

  12. Jane on April 6th, 2012 5:00 am

    I hope they throw the book at him! This is unexcusable! I think this should be MANDATURY JAIL TIME, with no time off! Is it a felony? It should be and he should never be allowed to have animls again!!!