A woman accused of killing a spider in her Florida home is facing animal cruelty charges, according to investigators in the Panhandle.
Turns out the suspect’s roommate not only was fond of the tiny spider, but also considered it a pet, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 31 news release.
Investigators say suspicions were aroused when the roommate returned to her Crestview home on July 15 to find her jumping spider and its enclosure were missing, the sheriff’s office said. Crestview is about a 50-mile drive northeast from Pensacola.
“The defendant texted the victim admitting to drowning the jumping spider in Ginger Ale,” the sheriff’s office wrote in an affidavit.
The drowning was intentional, resulting in the 43-year-old suspect being charged July 29 with animal cruelty and petty theft for the missing spider enclosure, officials said.
Details of a motive were not released.
The spider was valued at $70, officials said.
Jumping spiders grow no bigger than about three-quarters of an inch, and many species are native to the U.S., experts say. They are considered great pets among spider hobbyists — like “eight-legged cats,” according to Chasingbugs.com.
“Jumping spiders are small but often have very colorful, and even iridescent, markings,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife reports.
“They seem to be curious and to possess an awareness of being watched. They’ll respond by turning to face you and raise their head to in turn study you.”
The cruelty case is reminiscent of an incident in May, in which a Cape Coral, Florida, man was accused of “deliberately and maliciously” killing a beta fish by flushing it down the toilet, an affidavit reports.
The fish, named “Bean,” belonged to the suspect’s then girlfriend, officials said.
At Ovadia Law Group, we recognize that animal cruelty can take many forms, from neglect and abandonment to intentional harm. Our compassionate and dedicated team is here to provide you with the support you need to fight for justice. We understand that the emotional toll of witnessing or experiencing animal cruelty can be overwhelming, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process with sensitivity and care. Our attorneys will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf, advocating for the protection of the animals involved and pursuing the appropriate legal remedies. Whether you’re seeking to report an incident, pursue a civil case, or need assistance navigating local laws, we are here to help. Call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us stand beside you in the fight against animal cruelty.
Source: msn
