- Massachusetts, USA -
~ Update: September 23, 2024
Animal Control Officer Roussin kindly responded to my questions regarding Ziggy.
She said Ziggy “is about 11 months old (she was 8 months when I picked her up).”
With regard to Ziggy’s well-being, she explained: “She is stable at the moment. She is on medication to help control her anxiety. She has not had any new collapsing/seizure type episodes in a couple weeks. She is being fostered in my personal home so I can closely monitor her. I am waiting on a call back from Tufts in Grafton as to when we can schedule her tests.”
To my question about the details of the abuse she suffered, ACO Roussin answered: “There were reports of her abuser striking her on the hind end causing her to yelp, and reports of him standing over her as she cowered on the ground and striking her multiple times to the point where the witness could hear the hits on the dog’s body.”
I had also asked what prompted the investigation and ACO Roussin explained: “Dispatch received a call from a neighbor stating that her neighbor was beating their dog outside. Officers responded and then requested me (ACO) to respond as well.”
I went on to ask ACO Roussin whether GIGNILLIAT had other dogs and ACO Roussin answered: “Yes, there is one other dog in the home. I did write in my report that I had concerns for this dog as well. However, I did not have evidence that this dog is also being abused.”
~ Original story:
The Webster Police Department announced the arrest of 26-year-old CORDELL GIGNILLIAT (pictured), as a result of an animal cruelty investigation.
According to the department’s release, the investigation was conducted by Officer Robert Rockwood and Animal Control Officer Desiree Roussin and the furvictim involved in this case is an 11-month-old dog named Ziggy.
WCVB5 reports that police said neighbors called 911 after they heard someone brutally hitting a dog.
Ziggy suffered serious injuries believed to be the result of the abuse inflicted upon her and the medical care she needs, in addition to diagnostic imaging, is expected to exceed $6,000. Police said they are hopeful that Ziggy can recover and added that they are “mindful of the extensive costs associated with ensuring that and Ziggy's future is uncertain.”
Police also stressed that the money needed for Ziggy’s treatment, “would cripple the current budget for Animal Control in Webster and render any further needs relative to the health and welfare of animals in our care unattainable.”
Jacquelynne Mercado organized a fundraiser and according to a GoFundMe page, $10,000 has been raised so far.
Following the investigation, Dudley District Court issued a warrant for GIGNILLIAT’s arrest. On the afternoon of September 18, 2024, Officers David Brooks, Nicholas Caruso, and Spencer Donovan responded to GINLILLIAT’s home on Nelson Street and arrested him on three counts of animal cruelty.
Police did not share the details of Ziggy’s abuse, so I reached out to Police Chief Michael Shaw to inquire. If I get a response, I will update the article accordingly.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Webster Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
GIGNILLIAT's mugshot shared from the Webster Police Department
By all rights this scumbag gignalliat should be forced to cover all of Ziggy’s expenses period! If it takes the rest of his worthless life then oh well! Bless Ziggy & also those who reported this scumbag to authorities!