- voiceforus
- Mar 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3, 2024
- Florida, USA -
~ Update: April 3, 2024
Justin McClure, the lead Animal Compliance Investigator on the case, kindly responded to my email and provided me with some updates.
Mr. McClure tells me that all the dogs who were removed from KEEL’s residence were taken to Marion County Animal Services where they were evaluated and treated by their medical team.
The body of the deceased dog who was found inside the residence was sent to the University of Florida for a necropsy and results showed the furvictim “was also suffering from neglect.”
Mr. McClure also said that “Subsequent to the confiscation of these dogs, Marion County presented their case to the Honorable Judge Leann Mackey Barnes where custody of all the dogs was remanded to the county, and Keel was enjoined from owning any animals of any kind per Florida Statute 828.073.”
In the email, Mr. McClure also provided an important piece of information of which I was not aware. KEEL “is listed on Marion County’s searchable civil enjoinment database” meaning that “Anyone with internet access can compare potential animal owners with potential animal abusers. Keeping this list up to date is just one more step our organization can take to ensure those convicted in civil courts do not take ownership of another animal.”
Since Animal Services were awarded custody of the fifty-three Voiceless Victims, twenty-three of them “have found placement through multiple rescue partners who stepped up and transferred them from our facility.” Furthermore, Animal Services have been able to find new homes via adoption for an additional nineteen dogs with the county citizens. There are now eleven dogs remaining who are available for adoption or transfer to a rescue partner.
Last, but not least, Ms. Stacie Causey, the Marion County Public Relations Manager, kindly provided me with some pictures which I have added to the gallery below.
Ms. Causey tells me that “Shelters in nearly every community are experiencing the critical capacity levels we are facing” and that they have animals in their care who have been there for more than a year.
Please, allow me to stress the importance of adopting, donating, fostering, or volunteering.
Also, allow me to suggest visiting Marion County Animal Services’ website to see how you can get involved.
If you wish, and can afford to contribute to helping Animal Services, you can visit MCAS General Wish List. Thank you!
~ Original story:
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the community in hopes of finding 55-years-old MATTHEW WAYNE KEEL (pictured).
The sheriff’s office said KEEL is wanted on a felony warrant for twenty-three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and nineteen counts of animal cruelty.
On February 1, 2024, deputies responded to a property in the 5700 block of NW 6th Street at the request of Marion County Animal Control.
Officials found what the sheriff’s office described as “a disturbing scene.”
Fifty-three dogs were found living in “deplorable conditions” and in “dire need of medical attention.”
Sadly, officers also found one dead dog and many other dead dogs were discovered in the freezer.
Detective Burgess was able to obtain a warrant for KEEL’s arrest but authorities have not been able to locate him and believe he may have left Florida.
As stated in the press release by the sheriff’s office, “These innocent animals deserve justice”, KEEL “needs to be held accountable for his actions”, and if you have any information on his whereabouts, “it's time to speak up and turn him in!”
Please, submit your tips by contacting the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) - 732 - 9111.
Alternatively, you can submit your tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352 - 368 - STOP, referencing 24-12. Thank you!
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Link included.
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.
KEEL’s photo shared from the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Pictures of the Voiceless Victims were provided to Voice For Us by the Marion County Public Relations Manager.
