It’s been a bit over 10 months since dozens of cats were found dead inside and underneath the Belton, South Carolina home of Julianne Westberry. Several people have recently asked me as to when her trial is to be set, but no information is available as to an exact date. The wheels of justice turn slowly in South Carolina, as they do in many other areas of the United States.
This, however, may be a good thing, as animal advocates are trying to revive a petition asking for each cat who died by her neglect, as well as each allegedly fraudulent donation she accepted, result in a separate charge. The petition, titled “Charge Julianne Westberry with class one felonies of animal cruelty for every cat dead or alive found in her home and for each donation she received fraudulently,” can be found here (opens new window).
For those of you who don’t do petitions, you can contact Chrissy Adams at the Anderson County Solicitor’s Office (864)260-4046. Since the case hasn’t gone to trial, there’s still time to ask for more charges.
The fact that Westberry didn’t receive more charges (so far there are only a couple for ill treatment of animals, as well as a SLED investigation into taking funds under fraudulent pretense), is a nightmare for cat lovers. Because if the abused and deceased animals had been dogs, more charges would likely have been listed on the warrant for her arrest.
One reference case is Deborah Sheridan, who is now infamous in upstate South Carolina for having dogs seized from her Easley property, which is in the same county as the Westberry cats. Her latest arrest was just last month. The dogs in her care were still ALIVE, yet Sheridan was charged with 60 counts of ill treatment towards animals. Lt. Sheila Cole with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office stated each ill treatment charge will be considered separately, and carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Another recent case took place in late January, with arrests coming only a week ago, when Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office announced that four people were arrested and charges filed after 66 Chinese Shar-Pei dogs were rescued from 1249 Old Dairy Road in Summerville on January 30 2015. Charged were Tracy Humbert Lamere, 45, John Christopher Barnett, 45, Michael Duane Lauer, 63, and Susan Knisely Lauer, 69. These are considered felony charges punishable for 180 days to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
Again, keep in mind that in both of these cases, the dogs were still alive. With Julianne Westberry, we’re dealing with at least 60 dead cats and as many as 700-800 missing and presumed dead.
Dogs in Georgia also tend to lead to more charges for abuse and neglect. In July 2014, Joy Wise, owner of Heavenly Kennels in Cherokee County, Georgia was charged with 264 counts of animal cruelty after 357 dogs were rescued from a puppy mill.
Please sign the petition or contact the Anderson County Solicitor’s Office and let them know you expect more charges to be filed. Feel free to use the reference articles listed below as proof cats aren’t treated as equals. Not in Anderson County, the state of South Carolina or when compared to charges filed one state over in Georgia when dogs are the ones being neglected.
Does ANYONE out there know why dog abusers are given more charges and the abuse taken more seriously than when a CAT is abused. I’d really love to hear your thoughts on this one.
It’s 2021 and for everyone but those poor cats it seems to be like this never happened. She has had cats and dogs since. She’s constantly around children. No justice was served. She paid $100. The only people who remember are the ones who have been in that house to save the survivors. A smell that can’t be forgotten.
what about writting the governor or the mayor ? this is ridiculous
Thanks Michelle for your suggestion.
Is this the same person? http://www.unitedwayofanderson.org/americorps
With a smile and a blond wig…the face looks the same but there is no date on this photo. Surely she is not still getting $ and kudos?
The problem I think are the do gooders in society.a lot of the time its hard enough for killers of humans to get a sentence they deserve so what chance have the animals got.also why is it if an animal attacks a human its a death sentence for the animal but if a human KILLS an animal it doesn’t seem to really matter.its just not bloody good enough,the animals always lose and they deserve so much better.
This woman must be brought to trial for her heinous crimes against animals. Please help get justice for each cat that died.
If pressure is kept up by the public it may happen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ron.
I can only hope that Julianne Westberry suffers the worst kind of karma. I hope it comes in the form of a slow, excruciatingly painful and bloody death.
You hate her as much as I do.