- Texas, USA -
~ Update: June 22, 2023
BELTON was scheduled to appear at Harris County District Court on the morning of Tuesday, June 20, 2023, but that hearing has been moved because BELTON cannot find a lawyer to defend the monstrosity he perpetrated on innocent and defenseless puppies.
ABC13 reports that the court wouldn't tell the news agency the names of the lawyers.
ABC13 then reached out to defense lawyer Matthew Sharpe and asked him why lawyers passed on representing BELTON.
Sharpe explained: “You have a duty to your client to provide him or her with effective, zealous representation, so if there is something about the case that is going to interfere with your ability to do that, you shouldn't take the case.”
Eyewitness News asked Sharpe, what happens if lawyers keep refusing to take on the case?
To that, Sharpe responded: “There are a great many court-appointed lawyers in Houston and Harris County. Many of them do very good work, and they will eventually find someone to take the case, I assure you.”
After BELTON’s arrest on Saturday, June 17, 2023, additional details are now surfacing regarding this horrific case.
ABC13 reports that according to court documents, on Saturday morning BELTON drove one hour to get to Sunset 24/7 Animal Hospital with six puppies who “had been seriously abused.” Four of the six puppies, “had legs or paws that were cut off”, reports ABC13. Investigators said, “the puppies were crying in pain.” Sadly, one of the puppies was hurt severely and had to be euthanized.
The Houston Police Department arrested BELTON at the hospital.
When BELTON was questioned, he gave different versions of the facts. According to one of the stories he was selling, he came back home to find the puppies that way after he had put them in a cage!
No wonder he cannot find a lawyer!
As reported by ABC13, “Neighbors reportedly told officers they heard dogs barking and crying at about 3 a.m. Saturday morning. Records state one neighbor even ‘peeked to see what the commotion was’ and saw Belton walking outside ‘yelling and swearing’.”
Authorities did not disclose the deceased furbabies’ names, so I took the liberty of naming them Magnolia and Daffodil for the tribute image. Should their given names be made public, I will rectify them accordingly.
~ Original story
The Houston Police Department arrested 44-years-old JUSTIN REILLY BELTON (pictured) on four felony counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Court documents obtained by various news outlets accuse BELTON of cutting the paws or legs off six living puppies with an unknown object.
Multiple agencies responded to BELTON’s home in the 600 block of Post Oak Drive in Baytown and served a search warrant.
Officials found a deceased female dog, believed to be the puppies’ mom.
One puppy was found with two of his/her legs cut off.
The Baytown Police Department said in a media report that officers assisted HPD, Houston Animal Control, and Baytown Animal Control with the removal of fourteen dogs from the residence. The dogs were being kept in “unsanitary and confined conditions”.
ABC13 reports that they went to BELTON’s home but a gate prevented access to the front door. The news agency said there was a sign next to the search warrant deeming the property “unlivable.” ABC13 also reported that on the property, was an RV “and evidence dogs were once there”.
BELTON remains in Harris County Jail on a $48,000 bond. He is expected to appear at Harris County District Court on the morning of Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
No additional details have been released at this time.
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.
Additional Source:
#animalcruelty #crueldadanimal #cruautéanimale #tierquälerei #animalslivesmatter #texas #houston #baytown #dogs #puppies #mutilate #deathpenaltyforanimalabusers
