This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Please read update here.

A Florida man was arrested on a felony animal cruelty charge after neighbors reported him spraying a caged cat with a high-pressure hose in 45-degree weather and repeatedly slamming the cage on the ground in unsuccessful attempts to shake loose the petrified animal. Urge the state attorney to seek maximum sentencing in this case!
 

The Daytona Beach Police Department responded to a neighbor's report about the incident and Dean T. Bell was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. He's due to be arraigned on January 30, 2024, at the Daytona Beach Justice Center. It is expected that he will be bound over to the grand jury, indicted, and will face trial. If convicted, he's facing up to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

He must face maximum charges, a mental evaluation and treatment, and have his interactions with animals limited as much as legally possible.

Unfortunately, the fate of the cat has not yet been established. When asked what he did with the cat by law enforcement, Bell refused to comment further. This is extremely concerning and likely means that the cat was killed off-camera.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Please read update here.