Three dozen dogs neglected, fighting suspected - Daytona Beach, FL

Thursday, Dec 18, 2008

County: Volusia

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged: Heith Williams

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

A case of potential animal cruelty is being investigated in Volusia County Thursday and detectives are checking to see if it might be connected to dogfighting.

Nearly three dozen dogs were taken from a Daytona Beach home on Jefferson Street.

Many of the animals appear to be in good shape, but some of them have bite marks and appear somewhat underfed, and the owners of the dogs that were being kept behind a home on Jefferson Street could ultimately face charges.

Police got a call about the dogs Wednesday night and Thursday at animal services showed up at the house to remove the dogs.

There are 10 adults and 20 puppies and most appear to be pit bulls or some variation.

They were being kept in six cages, sometimes with eight or nine dogs in one cage.

One of the owners of the dogs, Heith Williams, showed the back yard and claims to clean it and feed and provide water for the dogs daily.

He said he uses chains and a metal stake in the ground because the yard is not completely fenced in, and he strongly denies he has any connection to dogfighting.

Williams, who said he's a local student, said he breeds and sells the puppies. But he and another man, James King, were cited for having too many dogs in violation of city code.

A vet is checking the animals at the Flagler Humane Society and will determine if they appear to have been neglected or abused. If so, the two owners could face criminal charges.

Case Updates

Ten pit bull dogs seized in December at a Daytona Beach home were euthanized this week because they were "highly aggressive" and their owner hadn't paid expenses for their care, the director of the Flagler County Humane Society said Wednesday. And unless a court takes quick action, the man who claims ownership of the remaining 20 puppies found in filthy cages in the backyard of a Jefferson Street home will not get them back. Ten adult dogs and 20 puppies were confiscated Dec. 18 from 221 Jefferson St. The owner, Heath Williams, 37, was charged with 28 counts of animal neglect, court records show. The dogs were to be returned to Williams by court order, but the Flagler County Humane Society would not release the dogs until fees to the center to cover expenses were paid. Humane Society director Donna Howard said Wednesday that Williams had more than five days to pay the fine in accordance with policy -- not court order. All of the adults have now been euthanized because they were "highly aggressive," Howard said, and the puppies have all been spayed and neutered and are up for adoption. Carlus Haynes, Williams' attorney, hopes to be back in court Friday. "We've been dealing with procedural things," he said. "Some individuals had agreed to purchase puppies. Now he's in breach of contract. Some may not even want the puppies after all this publicity."

Source: news-journalonline.com - Feb 12, 2009 Update posted on Feb 12, 2009 - 3:07PM

Though 30 seized pit bulls, including 20 puppies may be returned to their owner, Heath Williams, was charged with 28 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect, police said today. The dogs were confiscated Dec. 18 after police said the dogs were found covered in feces and without food or water, some with marks "consistent with dog fighting" in the backyard of 221 Jefferson St. The dogs were taken to the Flagler Humane Society where shelter workers described them then as thin and filthy. Williams, 37, who does not live at the Jefferson Street address, was arrested Tuesday night after a Flagler Humane Society veterinarian found only two of 30 dogs "appeared to be healthy," according to a police report. Nearly all of the dogs, listed individually in the report, were described as "underweight for age group." Scars and bug bites were noted for some of the dogs. One is said to have "urine scald" on its hocks. Another has "possible ringworm." Six were listed as "covered in feces." Carlus Haynes, Williams' Orlando attorney, said today that the veterinarian testified in civil court last week that none of the animals were in distress. "The hearing was postponed to the week of Jan. 26," Haynes said. "That hearing will determine who is responsible for the humane society bill of $13,000. If the court finds there wasn't probable cause to take the animals, then (Williams) won't owe the money." Williams was initially cited for exceeding the number of animals allowed under city ordinance. He could not be reached for comment today, but at the time the dogs were confiscated he said in an interview that he sells the dogs "off and on." Daytona Beach Police Department spokesman Jimmie Flynt said animal control is still investigating the case and other charges could be forthcoming. Deputy Chief Steve Beres said when the dogs were confiscated, "My gut feeling is they are being raised for fighting." Haynes said he believes that sentiment is because of the nature of the animals and the negativity that surrounds the breed. "There is no truth to the rumor that he fights the dogs," Haynes said.

Source: News Journal Online - Jan 21, 2009 Update posted on Jan 21, 2009 - 7:40PM

References

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