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| Ryan Stillwell |
(Thursday, July 20, 2017)--We are sharing this updated news release, as our office is still receiving inquiries regarding the investigation into an animal abuse incident which was reported on June 23, 2017.
First, THANK YOU to the many, MANY people who provided information to our office and shared this story on Facebook with their families and friends, which led to the eventual arrest of a suspect connected to the abandonment of “Buddy”, the dog which is pictured.
Ryan Stillwell, 24, Deepwater, was arrested on July 1, 2017, on an 24-hour investigative hold for Animal Abuse, as well as Fraudulent Use of a Credit Device. Upon the completion of our investigation, charges were later filed by Prosecuting Attorney Richard Shields.
It is with deep regret that we report, due to “Buddy’s” advanced age and frail condition upon his discovery, along with his failing health, “Buddy” did not recover.
Unfortunately, many dogs and cats are abandoned each year within Henry County, mostly within the rural areas. As these unincorporated areas of Henry County do not have animal control ordinances or an animal control officer to impound stray or abandoned animals, most of these animals are forced to face their abandonment on their own.
It is a rare occasion that our office is able to locate evidence of the offense in order to make an arrest or refer a case to the prosecuting attorney for the filing of charges for animal abuse, but this case was certainly an exception. Cases with a viable suspect have been, and will continue to be, pursued aggressively.
Often we rely on our local resources such as C.A.R.E. (Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor) to assist with these situations whenever possible and we find our partnership with them and other similar organizations invaluable and certainly appreciate all of their efforts, even though resources are limited and stretched to capacity in many cases.
We encourage anyone who observes any in-progress incidents of animal abuse or abandonment to contact Henry County Central Communications at (660) 885-5587 (or 9-1-1, in an emergency) to report the incident and provide a description of the suspect(s) and any vehicles involved, including license plate numbers.
Again, THANK YOU for all the assistance in helping us to pursue justice for “Buddy”.
