- Florida, USA -
On November 19, 2024, deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office along with Animal Enforcement Officer Rowe responded to an address in eastern Brooksville after receiving a complaint of animal cruelty, involving two dogs, which was captured on video.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with a witness who said that two dogs “had been beaten by their owner on multiple occasions”, stated the media release by the sheriff’s office.
The witness was able to show officers a video depicting some of the abuse inflicted upon the defenseless dogs.
The 45-minute video showed 57-year-old JOSEPH LEE LAMONTAGNE (pictured), “repeatedly punching, kicking, and striking both dogs with what appeared to be metal objects consistent with both a metal pole and metal pan.”
The sheriff's office identified the furvictims as a female Cane Corso named Hailie and a male Cane Corso named Alger.
Officers could hear Hailie and Alger whimpering in pain while trying to escape the brutal attacks. However, LAMONTAGNE “would drag the dogs back and begin beating them over and over again”, said the sheriff’s office.
At one point, the video showed LAMONTAGNE beating Alger while the helpless soul was tethered to a post unable to escape.
After contacting Hernando County Animal Services, officers learned that LAMONTAGNE had adopted Alger and on November 5, 2024, he even requested to foster Hailie.
The sheriff’s office said: “Thankfully, Lamontagne only had possession of the dogs for 14 days.”
Still, those innocent souls were left in the hands of that savage and NO animals should suffer, not even for a second!
Officers then made contact with LAMONTAGNE at his residence and in the backyard, they found Hailie and Alger with no food, water, or shelter.
Animal Enforcement Officer Rowe took custody of the Voiceless Victims. As she was putting them into the transport vehicle, she noticed that Alger “walked with a severe limp to his right front leg.” LAMONTAGNE surrendered Alger.
I have emailed the sheriff’s office to inquire about the furbabies’ well-being and if I get a response I will post an update.
LAMONTAGNE was arrested at the scene and charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty.
The savage admitted to hitting Hailie and Alger with a leash due to their “previous actions”, stated the release. However, despite video evidence, he denied ever kicking, punching, or striking the dogs with a metal object.
At the time of writing, online arrest records show that the savage is being held into the Hernando County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond.
As explained in the release, the County Attorney’s Office is being consulted regarding a petition to determine fitness, which may result in LAMONTAGNE’s “ability to own animals in the future.”
I think lifetime banning should be applied automatically to animal abusers!
In a statement, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said: “Felony animal cruelty is not just a crime against an individual animal—it’s a crime against our community’s values. The severity of these offenses cannot be overstated. Inflicting pain and suffering on innocent creatures is a clear indication of a deep disregard for life itself. As sheriff, I am committed to holding perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law, because such cruelty has no place in a just society. We must take a firm stand against those who harm animals, ensuring that the punishment fits the gravity of their actions.”
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
LAMONTAGNE’s mugshot shared from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
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