On February 13th, 2019, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Florida posted a community alert on their Facebook page. A “disturbing video” had been reported to their office and was quickly going viral on numerous social media pages. They had learned of the video the night before when another teen saw the shocking images on SnapChat. Some thoughtless teenagers had decided that animal abuse warranted filming, callously sharing it online.
Screenshot of video @mcsoflorida
The video showed a teen horrifically throwing rocks at a terrified young kitten huddling near a tree.
Sheriff Billy Woods and the animal loving officers, deputies and investigators were quick to take action. Marion County Animal Control officers were luckily able to locate the kitten who was near the 2000 block of NW 40th Street. The poor little victim was a 3-4 month old little girl, found bleeding from the nose. She had sustained “severe facial trauma and had difficulty walking.”
Veterinarians worked swiftly to examine the abused kitten and determine the best recovery plan. Surgery would be required to start the healing process. There was no microchip and the kitten may likely have been a stray, born into hardship. Her short life so far hadn’t been an easy one.
While healing at the shelter, she was understandably wary of humans at first.
Our surgical staff gave her lots of love every day as she curiously watched them work and became part of our team.
Screenshot of video @mcsoflorida
Knowing that she was in caring hands, the police department were able to fully focus on identifying her abuser.
Not long into their investigation, they were able to identify one of the by-standers. This person then later provided the information that led them to the disturbed teen who threw the large stone. Another shock came when they learned a bit about the teen. He is actually a student at the Silver River Mentoring and Instruction school in Ocala, Florida! Nothing bad against the school because we can imagine they were just as shocked.
It was two days after they first learned of the video that the 15-year-old boy turned himself into police.
Deputy Lucas Karr arrested 15-year old Isaiah Diehl (DOB: 11/16/2003) for his primary involvement in a disturbing animal cruelty video that is currently circulating social media. In the video, Diehl is seen throwing a large rock at a 3-4 month old female kitten, hitting her and causing traumatic injury.
Screenshot of video @mcsoflorida
Diehl was transported to the Marion County Jail. He is being charged with one count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty, a felony in Florida. He is now at the Department of Justice Juvenile Detention Center with no bond option.
“It is truly disturbing that an individual would even think of doing something like this, and the suspect being a juvenile makes it even more shocking,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. “There is absolutely no justification for any form of cruelty to our animals, and we will always seek justice for our citizens and our little furry friends.”
Sheriff Woods was sure to thank everyone for joining forces to bring the suspect in. They are an animal loving community that will not stand for these injustices.
https://www.facebook.com/mcsoflorida/videos/306798506642352/
Now that justice could be served, the focus could return to the tiny kitten whose life was about to get much better!
After spending a couple weeks recovering, it was time for her to move on to the next stage of her journey–a forever home. She had the full support of Sheriff Woods and the police force backing her, but who would welcome her into their home?
A special couple stepped forward to do just that.
Photos: Facebook ~ New Mom Mrs. Woods
They are clearly very familiar with opening their hearts to abused animals, because their home is full of them! This included 3 rescued dogs–sadly a 4th had passed just the week before (RIP <3). The pups weren’t the only ones being cared for though. The couple has a rescued donkey named Simon and a 3-legged mini Angus cow named Bella. As Bella grew, her 4th leg never developed near the ankle, but she’s a happy, spoiled family member now.
I call her a cow, but she’s actually a dog because that’s how she acts and that’s how my wife treats her. In fact, when I leave the house, I’m pretty sure the cow is IN the house being taken care of.
With their adorable mixed family, they knew the little kitten would make a purrfect edition.
As fate would have it, her new family is none other than Sheriff Woods and his wife, Samantha!
Photos: Facebook ~ New Mom Mrs. Woods
No one can dare say this police department isn’t fully supportive of animals! They welcomed her into their brood and gave her the name Olaf. Samantha shared the good news with her friends and family.
Meet the newest family member at the Woods farm ? her name is Olaf. She got her name when we first thought she was a boy. But then Billy fell in love with the name and he won’t let me change it now that she is a girl LOL she is the sweetest thing you ever laid eyes on. You might recognize her from a video that was posted all over Facebook. I can assure you, she is under the best protection ever from now on!
Sheriff Woods shared the wonderful news on the departments Facebook page too. He explained just how much animals mean to him and the entire force. They do not take abuse reports lightly when received.
https://www.facebook.com/mcsoflorida/videos/799647043702471/
For baby Olaf, she has suffered atrocious torture at the hands of someone who clearly also needs help.
Many animal abusers go on in life to harm others. Sadly serial killers and murderers have been associated with juvenile acts of violence. Hopefully this young man can learn to repent for his actions and be rehabilitated. The same goes for the others involved because standing idly by, videoing and sharing the images.
Screenshot of video @mcsoflorida ~ You’ve all been warned!
Take this as a warning as well because the world is changing and we will not stand for these horrors.
We’re wishing all the best for Olaf and her safe new life! Having her own personal police force behind her, this girl can now rest easy. Seems as if she is warming up to all the love being showered upon her too.
Photos: Facebook ~ New Mom Mrs. Woods ~ The many faces of Olaf’s supporters
THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ANIMAL ABUSE!
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“The same goes for the others . . .” is a phrase, not a sentence. I’m sure this kid’s parents will make excuses for his behavior. Anyone who hurts/neglects animals and/or children should be executed. They stopped being human long ago. I saw what people did to animals during my years in rescue, which i why I feel that way. Hurting the most innocent and vulnerable is cowardly. Pick on someone your own size.
I agree with Miki Osep completely. People who hurt animals should suffer the same fate or worse. They are nothing but subhumans, does not matter what age they are.
Completely agree! Those monsters deserve nothing but death.
Agree completely.
It comforting to know that animal abuse is being taken more seriously now and that the abusers will have to face the consequences for their cruelty. I am hoping that the consequences will become more harsh. I am glad that the culprit was apprehended in this case, and he will be dealt with and hopefully rehabilitated.
Bless the Sheriff and his team. When the law starts making examples, maybe animal cruelty will lessen. This person needs to be severely punished. I pray this little baby forgets the cruelty she suffered.
God bless Sheriff Woods and his family for opening their hearts and their home to this precious kitten who had suffered such horrible abuse. May Olaf have a wonderful life in her new home.
Kudos to the Sheriff and his wife! Hopefully the perp will have learned a life long lesson!
I couldn’t have said better!
I am so glad this monster was arrested! There was no excuse for hurting that poor little baby.
I am so glad this sheriff and his wife now has this sweetie at their home–awesome!
Olaf deserves love and a good home. I would like to thank Sheriff Woods and his family for opening their home to Olaf. Animal cruelty has long been ignored, but I am happy to see people finally realizing that this cruelty hurts our society. Feeling kindness for a small orphaned kitten makes a person better and richer for the effort.
I’m betting this kid has done this b4. He needs 2 know how that feels. ASAP. But the rock tosser should b a grown man weighing in at 275lbs. No rock a bowling ball. Tell his spineless parents where to peel him off the ground. This kid will go on 2 kill kids next. Or his parents. What kind of person enjoys hurting,killing defenseless animals. Put him were the war is, never 2 breathe freedom again. Hope he pays dearly
I am happy that Olaf is now in a good home but I am sad that some people are capable of such horrible acts.
Im afraid of what i would do to some sick fuck who would abuse a beautiful kitty like that. Believe me, they would regret it because they would be spending the next several months in the hospital.
Thank you Sheriff Woods it’s good to know that there are people who care about animals
Shocking and horrific, hopefully he will change his ways. He’s still young enough to atone and learn from his mistakes.
Olaf got the greatest turnaround possible. A sad start but a beautiful ending. Thanks to all. ?❤