North Fort Myers man arrested for Felony Animal Cruelty
An anonymous call regarding animal neglect has led to the arrest of a North Fort Myers man for felony animal cruelty. Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) responded to the call on the afternoon of October 7, 2009 and discovered an extremely emaciated female American Bull Dog owned by Eugene Hoppe.
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department arrested Hoppe at approximately 3:00 pm. He was charged with Third Degree Felony Animal Cruelty under Florida State Statute 828.12 Section 2 punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.
LCDAS Officers confiscated the dog, Lilly, who was infested with fleas and unable to walk without stumbling. She was immediately transported to Domestic Animal Services’ shelter where she was examined and put under the care of the agency’s staff veterinarian. Hoppe acknowledged that during the five years he owned Lilly she had not been to a veterinarian or received any preventive care.
Two other dogs on the property were also confiscated after Hoppe’s arrest. One lived inside Hoppe’s trailer and the other was kept in a vermin infested pen with contaminated water.
LCDAS urges anyone who is aware of any type of animal cruelty or neglect to report it to their agency for investigation at (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS). No pet should suffer neglect regardless of its owner’s economic situation. Through the LCDAS Community Pet Pantry Program pet owners on public assistance are eligible to receive food, supplies, vaccinations, and sterilization for their pets at no charge.
Anyone who would like to help Lilly or other victims of animal cruelty may send their donation to the Animal Care Trust Fund at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Information about the Animal Care Trust Fund, Community Pet Pantry, and how to adopt a homeless pet is available at www.LeeLostPets.com.
Source: Lee County Domestic Animal Services