Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Flagler County mugshot of Howard Blair, 55, of Palm Coast, charged with aggravated animal cruelty. BELOW: Pic of Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
PALM COAST, Fla. -- On May 29, deputies from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested Howard Blair, 55, of Palm Coast, on a warrant for aggravated animal cruelty, which resulted in the death of a 15-month-old American Bulldog/Labrador Retriever mix named Nutmeg.
Here's a synopsis of what led to Blair's arrest: On Jan. 25, deputies responded to a residence in Palm Coast to investigate an animal complaint. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Nutmeg, one of five dogs living inside the home, had passed away the night before.
While investigating the animal’s death, deputies said they learned learned that Blair had strangled Nutmeg to death after she bit one of the other dogs during feeding. Blair then wrapped Nutmeg in a blanket, placed her in a plastic bin, and buried her in the backyard.
On Tuesday, based on evidence obtained during the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Blair’s arrest.
Deputies located and arrested Blair on Thursday for aggravated animal cruelty. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and released on a $2,500 bond.
“I commend our deputies for thoroughly investigating this case,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “If you hurt or kill an innocent animal, we will find you and put you in the Green Roof Inn where you belong.”
“I commend our deputies for thoroughly investigating this case,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “If you hurt or kill an innocent animal, we will find you and put you in the Green Roof Inn where you belong.”
In Florida, aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony.
Here's a breakdown of the potential punishments:
- Prison time: Up to 5 years.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
- Minimum Mandatory Penalties (Under Ponce's Law): If the animal was intentionally tortured or killed, a conviction requires a minimum mandatory fine of $2,500 and counseling or anger management treatment.
- Second Conviction: A second conviction for aggravated animal cruelty involving intentional torture or killing results in a minimum mandatory fine of $5,000 and a minimum mandatory sentence of 6 months in prison. This sentence must be served in full, with no eligibility for parole or early release.
- Prohibition from Owning Animals: The court can also prohibit a convicted individual from owning or possessing any animal for a period of time.
Important Notes:
- Ponce's Law specifically addresses cases where animals were knowingly and intentionally tortured or killed.
- Multiple Acts/Animals: Committing multiple acts of cruelty or cruelty against more than one animal can lead to separate charges for each instance.
- Severity Upgrade: Aggravated animal cruelty has a higher severity ranking under the Florida Criminal Punishment Code, placing it on par with serious offenses like robbery.
