Brian D. Garner of Hayti faces two counts of animal abuse stemming from a complaint made to Hayti police concerning several Pit Bulls in poor condition. Two of the dogs required immediate medical attention.
Image used with permission CHS-PAWS
“We take animal abuse very seriously,” said Hayti Chief of Police Paul Sheckell. “We are committed to working these cases and presenting this for aggressive prosecution.”
One of the dogs, now named Arabella, showed injuries consistent with having been dragged.
“Her back paws were rubbed to the bone and her nails are ground down,” said Karol Wilcox, president of CHS-PAWS. “She also has abrasions on her belly and chest that appears to have gone untreated for some time and have resulted in a serious infection” said Wilcox.
The second dog, Liberty, was underweight and anemic from flea infestation.
“Liberty is by far the better of the two,” stated Wilcox, “but both dogs are responding well to the treatment they are receiving from our vet and shelter staff. They are improving daily.”
This is not Garner’s first brush with the law, nor the first animal abuse charge he has faced. Garner was convicted of animal abuse in 2014 in Hayti’s municipal court.
Wilcox praised the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney and Hayti Police Department for their prompt attention to the complaint and subsequent investigation.
“We are very glad we have such a good relationship with Hayti Police and the Pemiscot County Prosecutors office,” says Wilcox.
CHS-PAWS took in and cared for Skelly, the dog from Garner’s previous conviction. Skelly’s condition was dire and his recovery took months of care and rehabilitation. Skelly was eventually adopted to a good home out of state. His owner continues to stay in close contact with the organization.
CHS-PAWS will continue to work to bring Arabella and Liberty back to good health and find homes for them as well.
“They both appear to have been bred many times, but their disposition is very good,” said Wilcox “We will be working to move them out of the region as we think that is the best call for their safety in their future life.”
Garner is scheduled for his first appearance in front of Judge Bill Carter on June 30th in Pemiscot County Circuit Court Division II.
You can follow Arabella and Liberty’s progress on the CHS-PAWS Facebook page.