Pair arrested for neglecting emaciated dogs

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Tyrone Detron Kirksey, 39, and Zaneta Lynnette Williams, 36, have been arrested and charged with five counts of animal cruelty for allegedly neglecting five dogs.

A sworn complaint was filed on June 19, when Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to their home in the 900 block of NE 18th Terrace to assist Animal Control; GPD reported that this was the third time officers had responded to that address to assist Animal Control.

Animal Control had responded at least 14 times since June 2022 to reports that multiple dogs were not being cared for and were running loose in the neighborhood. During that time, one dog reportedly got out and scratched a bystander, and Animal Control took one of the dogs at one point because of neglect. Animal Control reported that the dogs have been found tethered in the backyard, where they get tangled and lose the ability to move around. Animal Control also reported that they have found the dogs outside in hot weather without access to water and that they have found kennels full of urine and feces.

Animal Control reported that they have attempted to assist Kirksey and Williams in caring for the dogs, but the pair continue to disregard Animal Control. Animal Control has issued multiple warnings and citations and even set a court date. GPD reported that they have previously informed Kirksey that further action could be taken, and Kirksey said officers should do whatever they need to do. Williams has reportedly not been at the residence on the dates when GPD responded, and Animal Control told GPD that Williams said the dogs belong to Kirksey.

On June 19, Animal Control reported that four dogs were outside and extremely underweight. While they were on site, Kirksey reportedly came out of the house and tied another dog outside. GPD reported that one of the dogs came out of the backyard and was so emaciated that it appeared to be a chihuahua, but Animal Control told the officer that it was a malnourished pit bull mix.

Animal Control reported that on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 being the best body condition, two dogs had a rating of 2 and two dogs had a rating of 3, and without immediate care and proper treatment, the dogs could die.

Kirksey has been charged with two felony counts of torturing or inflicting serious pain on an animal and three misdemeanor counts of depriving animals of care. He has a long criminal history and is currently on drug offender probation for cocaine possession. Judge William Davis set bail at $70,000 in a warrant.

Williams has been charged with two felony counts of torturing or inflicting serious pain on an animal and three misdemeanor counts of depriving animals of care. She has one misdemeanor conviction, and Judge Davis set bail at $35,000 in a warrant.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.