Case Details

Severe neglect - several animals found dead
Melbourne, FL (US)

Date: Dec 2, 2004
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 3 files available

Alleged: Gregory Hynes

Case Updates: 6 update(s) available

Case ID: 3237
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: reptile, dog (non pit-bull), bird (pet)
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Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior
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A hungry dog may have helped save a number of other animals housed in a Brevard County apartment. Their owner, Gregory Hynes, was arrested on his way to work.

Animal Services are taking care of several animals they say were malnourished and mistreated. But they say they have a good prognosis thanks to a rottweiler named Jewel.

Jewel has become the crown gem of sorts in the South Brevard County Animal Shelter. She's a canine hero, credited with leading to the rescue of an albino snake, an exotic bird, and Pepsi, the Australian shepherd.

"She was just, I think, got hungry, or thirsty, or just needed to go out, or what have you, but she just took it upon herself to make her bid for freedom," explains

Police say the rottweiler jumped from a second-story apartment window. When neighbors saw the dog running loose, they called animal control officers.

Authorities say the apartment manager became worried about other animals inside, went in, and found feces throughout the apartment and several dead animals, including another dog, a lizard, turtle and an exotic bird. The animals that weren't dead, authorities say were malnourished and had no fresh water.

After seeing some of the evidence, a judge declined a request by Hynes to lower the bail.

Vets are treating the animals for their ailments, but authorities say they may not have survived if it weren't for Jewel.

Hynes is being held on $250,000 bail. But under the law, the surviving animals are still his property and it's up to him to decide what happens to them.

Case Updates

 
Posted on Nov 30, 2005 - 4:49PM
On November 29th the court held a hearing on the defense's motion to dismiss all 8 felony counts. The Judge denied the motion. The defense stated that they wanted to go to trial. The Judge indicated during the hearing that there would be incarceration in this case.

Trial has been set for March 6, 2006, however, the defense has reportedly already approached the State about a plea offer. The prosecutor believes that there will be a plea after the holidays - and not go to trial.

The pretrial conference is set for December 19th.
 
Posted on Nov 8, 2005 - 12:02PM
Hynes' attorney has filed a motion to dismiss. The hearing is set for November 23rd at 9:00 a.m. Animal advocates who can attend are urged to do so.
 
Posted on Oct 13, 2005 - 8:58AM
The ABA Plea Hearing was held on Oct 11th where the Judge denied the defense's request for the ABA Plea.

According to reports, members of the public (inlcuding inidividuals who had adopted some of the victims) were ready to speak at the hearing, however, the defense argued that he has never seen a case where the general public is allowed to speak. The Judge asked the two sides to do their homework and find some case law on who can speak for the victim animals.

Another Pre-Trial conference is scheduled for December 19th, at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public are once again asked to attend again and show their support for the prosecution of this case.
 
Posted on Oct 4, 2005 - 8:03AM
Hynes is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at 1:15 p.m., before Judge George W. Maxwell III. Animal advocates who can attend are urged to do so.

Moore Justice Center
4th Floor, Courtroom D.
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way - Bldg. D.
Viera, Florida 32940
 
Posted on Aug 7, 2005 - 7:04AM
The Judge ruled dismissing Mr. Hynes' motion to suppress the evidence during the Aug 2 hearing. Judge Maxwell indicated that it was very close, and that it easily could have gone for the defense.

The State will not offer another plea agreement to Mr. Hynes. The plea agreement was for 6 months in County jail, never own animals again, probation, and get psychological treatment. They also had dropped it from 8 counts (3rd degree felonies) to 2 counts.

Before the hearing, the prosecutor amended the information to all 8 counts. Now Mr. Hynes must either plea to all 8 counts or go to trial. The maximum for each count is 5 years in jail.

To write to Judge Maxwell asking that Mr. Hynes be sentenced to the fullest extent possible, never have contact with animals, and most importantly, obtain psychological treatment (please be sure to refer to Case No. 05-2004-CF-067015):

Honorable George W. Maxwell III
Moore Justice Center
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. D
Viera, Florida 32940
 
Posted on Aug 1, 2005 - 8:12AM
The defense has filed a motion to suppress the evidence, alleging that the search was illegal. A hearing is going to be held on August 2, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. The case is set for a pre-trial conference on August 29, 2005, at 9:30 a.m., at which time the defendant can plead guilty or go to trial.

References

WFTV - Dec 2, 2004
Local 6 News - Dec 2, 2004
Case No. 05-2004-CF-067015, State of Florida Vs. Gregory W. Hynes 200

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