Rabbit, snake thrown, snake beheaded - Charleston, WV

Sunday, Jun 29, 2003

Robert Lovejoy, 38, has been charged with four felonies for allegedly becoming violent and abusing his girlfriend's rabbit, iguana and two snakes.

Lovejoy was placed in jail July 2, 2003 for torturing at least two animals and cutting off a snake's head. He is being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $4,000 bond.

If Lovejoy is convicted, he could spend 12 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. He is the first man to be charged under the cruelty law.

He allegedly threatened to kill his girlfriend and cut his landlord during the incident which took place at Campbells Creek Drive, Charleston.

Kanawha County Prosecutor Mike Clifford said, "It looks like there may be some additional charges filed."

Lovejoy went after his girlfriend and her animals after seeing his fishing trophies on the floor.

The complaint on file said the next few minutes were filled with violence against people and animals. First, Lovejoy pulled the ball python from its aquarium and threw it against their bedroom wall. Next he attacked the albino python and cut its head off with a knife. Their landlord tried to protect the snake and he received a cut on his hand.

Lovejoy proceeded to throw the girlfriend's rabbit, in its cage, off the second floor of their residence. The girlfriend left the house to call the police. When she returned home, Lovejoy said he had killed the iguana.

Kanawha County Humane Officer Clarence Carte reported the damage after Lovejoy's Sunday morning arrest, it stated: one dead albino python, one injured ball python, a missing iguana and a rabbit whose health was "unknown."

Carte said the iguana might be alive. If it is, the county prosecutors might consider dropping one of the felony animal cruelty charges.

References

• Charleston WV Daily Mail - July 2, 2003

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