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Writer's picturevoiceforus
May 23 min read

DEBORAH RAYE PALCOWSKI and RAVEN RENEE STAINES facing charges – 51 animals rescued from their home

Updated: May 3

- Michigan, USA -

 

~ Update: May 2, 2024

 

I have heard back from Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.  Its Executive Director, Elise Ramsey, advised that “There were no deceased animals on the property. Zero animals were euthanized, and they are all thriving in our care with basic husbandry, clean bedding, and fresh food and water.”


Ms. Ramsey further advised that: “They are LOVING acting like cats should act....chasing fake mice and feather wands, sampling all of the delectable treats we have to offer and basking in the sun with fresh air flowing through the windows. Finally living the life they deserve. Several were suffering from intestinal parasites, in need of medical grooming, and in need of dental cleanings. They are all getting the care they need and deserve, and some have already found their forever homes.”

 

Ms. Ramsey kindly shared a picture of Bixby, one of the dogs who was rescued. Bixby was recently adopted.

 

 

~ Original story


Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema announced that 30-year-old RAVEN RENEE STAINES and her mother, 60-year-old DEBORAH RAYE PALCOWSKI, have been charged with animal cruelty after more than fifty (50) animals were rescued from a suspected hoarding case.

 

According to the press release by Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema obtained by Voice For Us, the investigation in this case began when an Emmet County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the duo’s home for an unrelated issue and saw “numerous animals and concerning living conditions at the residence.” 

 

On April 16, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and with the assistance of the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, forty-nine (49) cats and two (2) dogs were removed.

 

On the same day, the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society advised through a Facebook post that they had rescued fifty-one (51) animals from the duo’s home and that many of the furvictims needed “medical treatment, grooming, bathing, and foster care.” Several cats also had very young kittens.

 

In a subsequent Facebook post, the nonprofit wrote that the rescued furvictims were settling in to the shelter “and decompressing with comfy bedding, clean water and plenty of food. They all received medical exams yesterday, and are on their way to a bright and healthy future.”

 

The nonprofit expressed their gratitude toward those who donated and helped them face this new hardship.

 

If you wish and can afford to donate, please, click here. Thank you!

 

Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema said that PALCOWSKI was charged with animal cruelty – twenty-five or more animals and lying to a law enforcement officer. The animal cruelty charge carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

 

STAINES is facing one felony count of animal cruelty: four to ten animals, which carries a sentence of up to only two years in prison.

 

PALCOWSKI and STAINES will be arraigned and their cases will be set for preliminary examinations in the 90th District Court for the County of Emmet.

 

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 Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema obtained by Voice For Us. 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.

 

 






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Writer's picturevoiceforus
Apr 294 min read

DIXIE ETHEL WEEKS and CURTIS LEONARD SHIPLEY arrested – Cats and dogs found in horrific conditions

Updated: May 4

- Florida, USA -

 

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️

 

~ Update: May 4, 2024


I heard back from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and I sadly have to inform you that Bella, Honey, and Smokey were euthanized.



~ Original story:


 The Brevard County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 63-years-old DIXIE ETHEL WEEKS and 53-years-old CURTIS LEONARD SHIPLEY ( both pictured).

 

According to the arrest affidavit obtained by Voice For Us, on April 5, 2024, two electricians went to SHIPLEY’s home on 900 N Carpenter Road in Titusville. After completing their job, they went to their next customer and told her what they had seen at SHIPLEY’s home.

 

The electricians said they saw “malnourished dogs”, “feces everywehere” and cats who were “delivering babies in the kitchen cabinet.” The electricians described what they saw as “horrible living conditions.”

 

Concerned with what she was told, the customer alerted the Titusville Police Department and an officer responded to SHIPLEY’s home.

Upon arrival, the officer immediately requested the assistance of Brevard County Sheriff's Office Animal Services and Enforcement.

 

The responding Animal Control Officer saw four dogs whom SHIPLEY identified as Bella, Eli, Honey, and Smokey. SHIPLEY told the ACO that all four dogs and all seven cats were his.

 

According to the affidavit, Honey “appeared to be missing an eye. Her ribs were easily palpable, and her pelvic bones were becoming prominent.” Additionally, Honey “had multiple areas of missing fur, swollen nipples, overgrown nails, and limped while walking.”

 

Smokey “appeared disoriented and was bumping into walls and falling over as she walked. Attached to Canine Smokey's right ear was a skin tumor, approximately the size of a baseball.” Smokey's ribs and pelvic bones were prominent and her nails were overgrown.

 

Bella “seemed to be unresponsive to noise or commands. She had missing fur and a ruptured tumor on her back.” Her ribs and pelvic bones were visible, and she was unable to walk on her own.

 

Eli “also seemed unresponsive and had missing fur on his back and rear legs.” His “ribs and pelvic bones were visible and he could only walk short distances.”

 

SHIPLEY was unable to confirm the age of the dogs. He estimated that Honey, whom he also called Mama, was acquired as a puppy between 2009 and 2011 after he and WEEKS moved in together. SHIPLEY also said that Bella and Smokey were Honey’s babies.

 

SHIPLEY also struggled to remember Eli’s age and estimated that all four were approximately 12 or 13 years old.

 

None of the furvictims were ever seen by a veterinarian and none of them were ever vaccinated. SHIPLEY told the ACO that he did not know that dogs “were supposed to receive annual veterinary wellness exams.”

 

The ACO then found five of the seven cats. SHIPLEY told the officer that the cats were both indoor and outdoor.

According to the ACO, the cats appeared to be “bright, alert and responsive.”

 

SHIPLEY surrendered all four dogs and the ACO rushed them to the Rockledge Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital (RASEH) for immediate emergency veterinary intervention.

 

On April 8, 2024, after their initial emergency care and treatment at RASEH, Bella, Eli, Honey, and Smokey were returned to the care of South Animal Care Center (SACC).

Veterinarians reported that all four Voiceless Victims had been experiencing repeated and excessive infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering.

 

All four furvictims were suffering from flea infestations, dermatitis, and painful tumors.

 

SHIPLEY and WEEKS’ statements about feeding the dogs regularly were also proved to be false. All four dogs were found to be severely malnourished.

 

Further findings revealed that none of the dogs “were offered sufficient exercise and outside change of air.”

 

On April 23, 2024, WEEKS and SHIPLEY were arrested and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty, four counts of confinement without food and water, and four counts of condiment without wholesome exercise.

 

At the time of writing, records show the filthy duo are being held at the Brevard County Jail on $38,000 bond.

Court records show that WEEKS and SHIPLEY will appear at Titusville Historic Courthouse on May 30, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. for their arraignment before Judge Michelle A. Baker.

 

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said although three dogs won't make it, the vet team will try to save the other dog.

 

Just before publishing the story, I came across an article by WESH, according to which three of the dogs have been euthanized.

I have emailed the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about this and if I get a response, I will post an update.

# # #

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official court documents obtained by Voice For Us. 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.

 

 

Mugshots shared from the Brevard County Jail




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Writer's picturevoiceforus
Apr 262 min read

GAGE JOEL SKINNER arrested for abusing a young puppy

- Mississippi, USA -

 

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office arrested 26-years-old old GAGE JOEL SKINNER (pictured), of Escatawpa.

 

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said in a press release obtained by Voice For Us that acting on a tip submitted to MS Coast Crime Stoppers, investigators served a search warrant at SKINNER’s home on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

 

Sheriff Ledbetter said that upon arrival, deputies found evidence that a young puppy was being abused by SKINNER. 

 

An officer with Jackson County Animal Control removed the puppy and took him/her to the shelter.

The sheriff’s office tells me the puppy is a Pitbull, about 8-10 weeks old.

Thankfully, the furvictim did not sustain any serious injuries.

 

SKINNER was placed under arrest and is facing felony aggravated animal cruelty charges.


Jackson County Court Judge Mark Watts has denied bond for SKINNER “pending a mental evaluation”, stated the release.

 

At the time of writing, records show SKINNER is being held at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center.

 

# # #

 Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office obtained by Voice For Us. 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.

 

 

SKINNER’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.




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