Three men charged in horrible shark dragging case

6
22
Spread the love

It has been more than five months since a video went viral on social media showing a shark being dragged by a speed boat. On Tuesday, three Bradenton, Florida men faced animal abuse charges after an extensive investigation.

According to WsmvNews, a press release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation states Robert Lee “Bo” Benac, 28, Michael Wenzel, 21, and Spencer Heintz, 33, have each been charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty – a third degree felony. In addition, Benac and Wenzel also face one count of illegal method of the taking of a shark – a second degree misdemeanor.

In July, the disturbing video showed at least four men smiling as they dragged a shark behind a speed boat. The video sparked outrage as it began circulating on social media – one of the laughing men could be heard saying “Look it’s almost dead,” as the shark’s body is flailed around in the churning water behind the boat. After the horrific boat dragging ended, one of the men held up the mangled body of the shark for a photo.  According to experts, the shark was still alive, and in agony, while being dragged.

The video ignited enough social outrage to bring about a petition demanding legal action against the men in the video. Florida Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“I was outraged by the sickening video of a shark being horribly abused earlier this year. Florida has no tolerance for this mistreatment, and I am proud of the hard work of the FWC law enforcement during this investigation to hold these individuals accountable for their horrific actions.”

Third-degree felonies for aggravated animal cruelty are punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Additional charges for Wenzel and Benac are punishable by the maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

(Photos of  shark dragged Instagram mark/the shark)

Link to video here.

Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook.

Did you know that if you want to get updates from a Facebook page, you need to do more than “like” it? To get recent postings in your Facebook feed, you must also hover your mouse over the word “following” and then click “see first” from the drop-down menu. You may want to check back with your favorite pages on occasion because Facebook often changes your settings, no longer having your having your favorites among those to “see first.

Read previous article here.


Drowning puppy saved by unexpected hero


Nobody wanted this skinny hurricane survivor, until a reporter gave him a helping hand


Spread the love

6 COMMENTS

  1. We especially liked Governor Rick Scotts statement about his outrage and the FWC. Suffering from any living creature will never be tolerated by real people. Jail those that cause suffering and pain.

  2. Now let’s hope the punishment will be the maximum penalty if they are really truthful about their “outrage.” The judge needs to have some backbone!

  3. Creeps, shame on them and the shame that they have brought on their families. If they were in mine, I would disown, same if I was a friend,. I would publicly disown them.

  4. Good for the Governor of Florida for taking the stand. I will remember him at election this is the kind of person I want fighting for all animals. I hope all the creeps get the 5 years. As far as I am concerned all parties were involded. Creeps

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here