Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup
A 29-year-old Richmond Hill man has been arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and cruelty to animals. Jasean Holmes was taken into custody at his home on Sunday morning after police responded to the location for a domestic dispute. What they found was a filthy apartment, with a total of 15 dogs, 10 of them from a newly born litter, several poisonous snakes and other reptiles. Several of the adult dogs had been badly abused.
Law enforcement personnel as well as EMS workers were obviously disturbed at the scene to uncover these conditions where four children were living. They were described by police sources as “in terrible danger.” One emergency services worker emerging from the scene declined to give his name but said “People should know about things like these. If we don’t get these kids out of here, they would have died here at some point.”
Police sources say the address has a history of calls in regard to domestic violence incidents but that the wife refused to cooperate with police and press charges. But this time, Holmes’ abuse was witnessed by emergency service personnel, and police were able to make an arrest.
On Sunday, police responded to a call that came into 911 around 8 a.m. claiming that there was a domestic altercation at the house. Neighbors who gathered outside said they were relieved to see that he [Holmes] was being taken away. Stories circulated among them of how Holmes was rumored to have used the snakes to threaten the children, 7 -12 years old, when they misbehaved. Police and EMS workers say the house was littered with garbage, rotten food and dog feces.
The children were removed from the premises and taken to area hospitals. They were cleaned up, examined, treated and placed under temporary custody with the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).
The animals were removed by the city’s Animal Care and Control department and will be cared for there while authorities complete their investigation.
By Patricia Adams
