- Michigan USA -
~ UPDATE: January 25, 2022
On Monday, January 24, 2022, in Iosco County Circuit Court, 23-years-old TAYLOR ROSE SHIPMAN (pictured below) pleaded guilty to third-degree killing or torturing an animal.
The charge is felony punishable by up to only four years in prison.
MLive reports that Iosco County Prosecutor James A. Bacarella said he did not extend a plea offer to SHIPMAN, nor is there a sentencing agreement.
SHIPMAN is expected back in court on the morning of Monday, March 14, 2022, for sentencing.
~ Original story:
On July 16, the Iosco County Sheriff’s Office received an animal cruelty complaint in reference to an injured cat.
An animal control officer was dispatched to the Tawas Animal Hospital where he met with the complainant, Eric Erickson.
Mr. Erickson told the animal control officer that the day before, he had found his cat named Oliver on the doorstep of his home, and he had been shot in the neck with a bolt from a crossbow.
Mr. Erickson then added that he contacted his neighbor, 23-years-old TAYLOR ROSE SHIPMAN (pictured below) to see whether she knew what happened. SHIPMAN admitted to shooting Oliver on July 11. SHIPMAN justified her action by saying that she shot Oliver in defense of her own cats.
An investigation was opened and interviews were conducted.
After they were completed, the Iosco County Sheriff’s Office submitted the report for review to the Iosco County Prosecutors Office on July 22.
The following day, Iosco County Prosecuting Attorney James Bacarella, authorized a felony warrant for SHIPMAN and charged her with one felony count of animals-killing/torturing third degree, which carries a maximum penalty of only four years in prison.
SHIPMAN turned herself into the Iosco County Jail on July 26, and was released on a $10,000 PR bond.
As for Oliver, the New York Post reports Mr. Erickson dislodged the arrow from Oliver and treated the miracle cat’s wounds before taking him to an animal hospital the next day.
Oliver then spent three days at the hospital and his veterinarian bills were covered thanks to a fundraiser set up by the Iosco Humane Society.
Oliver is recovering back home with his family and two other cats and dogs.
Mr. Erickson said: “He is doing spectacular. I’m humbled a bit from his strength.”
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
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