Fergus Falls, Minn - Dog loving animal rights activists were not surprised when Benjamin Stavaas, 23, failed to appear in court yesterday. The man, accused of brutally slashing his own dog's throat and leaving her for dead, is now facing a warrant for his arrest, on top of the 6 criminal charges, which include animal torture and cruelty.
The individuals that did show up to the Otter Tail Courthouse yesterday had their own thoughts on Benjamin Stavaas. Some family members admitted that Stavaas has some "anger issues" and many animal rights activists commented that Stavaas is a coward, hence the no-show at the courthouse to face the charges held against him.
Stavaas' crime? In mid-June, a farmer found Star, a white German shepherd mix, with her throat badly slashed. The dog suffered from multiple slashes on her neck, and apparently, had been left for dead. The farmer took Star to the Otter Tail County Humane Society where she was treated and put into foster care.
Stavaas initially told authorities that his dog had been hit by a car, and that he had slashed her throat to end her suffering. His story changed after he was told that his story didn't match findings by a veterinarian's exam.
New story? He slashed his dog's neck after he flew into a fit of rage because Star was not trainable. Apparently, the dog, when put outside, had chased a car. Stavaas became enraged and used a knife to brutally slash her throat.
The animal cruelty charges are not Stavaas' first brush with the law. In 2006, Benjamin Stavaas was convicted in Wadena County for terroristic threats and domestic assault.
As for Star, she is recovering well at her foster home. According to the Humane Society, Star is still a friendly, affectionate dog, despite the brutal attack that nearly took her life.
If you are interested in weighing in with your thoughts on Benjamin Stavaas' despicable behavior, you can write to: Otter Tail County Court Administration – 121 West Junius Ave. No. 310 – Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Let court officials know that animal abuse is not a crime to be taken lightly and that Stavaas deserves the maximum penalty of the law for his abusive actions.
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Comments
This makes me sick! What kind of human being could be so cruel! Unfortunatly, the law is not strict enough to make him pay for what he has done. We need to change these laws and make them fit the crime. As far as I'm concerned murder is murder, period. This is a poor excuse for a 'man' let him rot.
Besides being put in prison he needs counselling. He is right now a brute, that man is dangerous for everybody.
could you pleae post an update on this poor doggies status?
I cant adopt ( cant afford to take in anymore, have five now) but I wanted to ask abt this poor doggie.
Can you tell me how he is doing?
thank you
When are we going to face the facts? If a person will abuse an animal, they will most likely do the same to humans. When people abuse an animal they should receice much stiffer sentences or punishments. Why wait until they hurt a person to drive home the point? Think about it!
Put the freak to sleep,problem solved.If the dog had bit someone it wouldn't get a second chance so why should this coward?
Loriann -- I thought you'd like to know that Star is currently in foster care and has had several people interested in adopting him -- which he deserves greatly.
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