The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 26-year-old ANDREW JASPER WADE WHITEHURST (pictured).
On October 2, 2024, deputies were contacted to do a well-being check at a residence on 5616 3rd Street SE # 4. The witness reported seeing skinny dogs inside.
When deputy Torres arrived, he found the power off, a foul odor emanating from the residence, and no one home.
According to the press release by the sheriff's office, the deputy was able to find information about WHITEHURST, the homeowner, and called him.
The sheriff's office said that when WHITEHURST arrived, he lied about his real name and told deputies his name was “Kevin James.” He then said that he was a friend of WHITEHURST’s coming to check on the dogs.
Eventually, WHITEHURST admitted the dogs were his and said that he was scared to reveal his real identity.
WHITEHURST told deputy Torres that he left on September 26, 2024, for work and stayed away for a week. He went on to say that although he did not arrange for his father to go and check on his dogs, he assumed his father would.
WHITEHURST allowed the deputy to enter the residence. Once inside the deputy sadly found one deceased dog, and two others who were alive but were malnourished. According to the affidavit, the deceased furvictim was found “in the living room area and was beginning to decompose. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death; however, at this time, it appears the dog died from a heat-related issue.”
The deputy said there was no water for the dogs and reported that the floor was covered with feces and urine. It was very hot inside and there was no air circulation.
Following the execution of a search warrant, the two live dogs were removed and “their internal temperatures were immediately checked”, stated the release.
Both furvictims were examined and as stated in the affidavit: “The first dog scored a 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences evident from a distance, with no discernible body fat and an obvious loss of muscle mass.
The second dog scored a 2/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 2 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones easily visible, with no palpable fat and some evidence of other bony prominences, as well as minimal loss of muscle mass.”
WHITEHURST was arrested and charged with three felony counts of animal cruelty, one misdemeanor count of confining an animal without sufficient food or water, and one count of providing false information to law enforcement.
Online arrest records show the scum is currently being held in the Polk County Jail, awaiting a first appearance hearing.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said: “If you own pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them by providing them with food, water, and shelter which includes free-flowing air. Not doing so is evidence of someone with no conscience and a great disregard for life. Andrew doesn't deserve to be a pet owner ever again.”
I took the liberty of naming the deceased furbaby Aspen, for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Polk 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.
WHITEHURST’s mugshot and pictures provided to Voice For Us by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
