A Florida man has been found guilty of one felony and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after a thorough presentation of compelling evidence and expert subject matter testimony.
61-year-old Terrence Andre Crowder, of Ocala was arrested back in August of 2022 after Marion County Animal Control Compliance Investigators responded to the home just a month prior, in reference to reports of animal negligence.
Upon arrival, investigators called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Officials seized 13 animals from Crowder’s property – three of the thirteen animals were in appalling and negligent conditions.
The three animals in question were a miniature pony, a horse, and a goat. The miniature pony, Shakira, had elf shoe’ hooves from lack of care, which is extremely painful.
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All four hooves were also found to be infected with thrush.
The horse, Haling’s Darling, was extremely emaciated to the point the mare’s ribs were showing. The third animal, a goat, had an open, chronic wound on its back that had been left untreated for quite some time – the wound was not only very tender to the touch but had calloused over.
Subsequently, Crowder was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of cruelty to animals. Prior to his trial, Crowder was released on bond. However, after his blatant apathetic demeanor, Judge Brigham ordered him to be remanded until his sentencing.
“Crowder intentionally harmed these animals when he willingly deprived them of basic necessities – from food and water to adequate shelter and medical care,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Thankfully, the jurors were able to see this was a textbook example of animal cruelty and hold Crowder responsible for his crimes. My office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting animal cruelty cases, and I am extremely grateful for the devoted work of our Animal Cruelty Taskforce and our community partners.”
The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the dedicated efforts of Deputy Struble with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Animal Services investigators, the supporting veterinarians, and Assistant State Attorney James Moody.
Crowder’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.
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