Couple arrested for alleged animal cruelty




If you’re planning to abandon your animals when you move, think again. Animal cruelty by abandonment is a crime and not to be take lightly.

If you’re planning to abandon your animals when you move, think again. Animal cruelty by abandonment is a crime and not to be take lightly.

It’s no surprise that most people treat their animals like their own children. So, what happens when animals are abandoned by their owners? Justice is sought and served for these poor, helpless animals and that’s exactly what happened last week for some unlucky dogs and a pot bellied pig.

On Dec. 10, the Atascosa County Animal Control filed two counts of alleged animal cruelty by abandonment on Veronica Turney and John Whitfield. It was alleged that these two individuals moved from a trailer house they were renting and left their pets behind, but they didn’t think twice about taking their furniture and personal property. The ACAC was contacted by the landlord after he made several attempts to get Turney and Whitfield to come get their dogs. ACAC Investigator Roland Jiminez led the investigation and was able to establish probable cause that led to filing warrants on Turney and Whitfield. The dogs were seized by ACAC.

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, the multi-agency investigation resulted in the arrest of Turney and Whitfield.

The Pleasanton Police Department was dispatched to Walmart for a suspicious person by the gas pumps. Upon arrival, officers located John Whitfield and discovered his two animal cruelty warrants issued by the ACAC. Whitfield was quickly placed under arrest and held for ACAC Chief Henry Dominguez to arrive and interview him. Turney allegedly fled into Walmart when she saw officers arresting Whitfield. Pleasanton PD conducted an extensive search of Walmart, but were unable to locate her. The officers’ investigation developed further information on Turney’s whereabouts in the City of Jourdanton. Chief Dominguez contacted Jourdanton Police Chief Eric Kaiser. Turney was located at a trailer park in Jourdanton and taken into custody by JPD Ofc. K. Martinez.

“The sad news is that when officers arrested Turney, she was in possession of two more pets inside of the trailer,” said Chief Dominguez. “Both pets were taken into our custody so that they would not be left behind to suffer.”

Chief Dominguez would like to thank the Pleasanton and Jourdanton Police Departments for their assistance in the locating and arrest of Turney and Whitfield.

“This is a true testament on how great all of our Atascosa County law enforcement agencies work together,” said Chief Dominguez. “Just know that leaving your pet behind after you move is a crime and the Atascosa County Attorney’s Office will prosecute you.”

All abandoned pets by Turney and Whitfield are available for adoption at the Atascosa County Animal Control. If interested in adopting these precious, abandoned animals, please stop by the ACAC located at 292 Spur 162 in Jourdanton. You may also give them a call at 830- 769-2341.

One response to “Couple arrested for alleged animal cruelty”

  1. Joyce Bennett says:

    Good for Pleasanton police !

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