Man who dragged live shark behind boat gets just 10 days of jail time

1
1
Man in shark dragging video gets just 10 days in jail
Spread the love

A man who faced felony criminal charges after video surfaced of a live shark being dragged behind a fishing boat has been sentenced to just 10 days of jail time. As reported by the Bradenton Herald, Robert “Bo” Benac III, the son of a Manatee County commissioner, accepted a last minute plea deal that reduced his felony animal cruelty charge to a misdemeanor.

The cruel video surfaced in July 2017 and sparked outrage among animal lovers as it began circulating on social media. Experts determined that the shark was alive, and in agony, while being pulled at a high rate of speed behind the fishing boat. Men laughing could be heard on the video as the shark flailed behind the fast moving boat.

Earlier this year, another man on the boat, Michael Wenzel, was also sentenced to 10 days of jail time for the shark-dragging incident. Like Benac, Wenzel had faced a felony aggravated cruelty charge, but accepted a plea deal for the misdemeanor charge which greatly reduced the amount of time that he would spend behind bars. A third man tied to the incident, Spencer Heintz, had been arrested, but the charges against him were dropped.

In addition to five weekends in jail, Benac has lost his fishing license for three years and he is ordered to serve 250 hours of service at an animal shelter.

(Booking photo via Bradenton Herald)

Follow the National Animal News Facebook page for petitions, news and updates!

Yesterday: Frantic mother dog clawed through rubble to reach her puppies

Fight animal abuse! Donate Now


I prefer dogs to people #dontjudge Pick your favorite color and style at this link! Your purchase helps support the continuation of our site. More styles and messages at our store. Please click here to find them all!


 


Help support the continuation of this site AND spread the word – Pets are not disposable!! Find your favorite color and style here. 


 


I survived loving a foster dog until a furever home was found – share the message with this one of a kind shirt! Pick your favorite style and color at this link.

Your purchase helps spread an important message AND supports the continuation of this site.


Spread the love

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here