Residential Real Estate Broker · College Station, TX · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 969 votes
Property Managers: This is One I haven't experienced?
Man Charged With Cruelty, Abandonment Of Pet Fish
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A North Carolina man has been charged with abandoning a pet fish that authorities say he left behind without food when he was evicted.
News outlets report that that New Hanover County Sheriff's Office arrested 53-year-old Michael Hinson on Wednesday and charged him with one count of abandonment of an animal and three counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Officials say Hinson was evicted from his Wilmington home last month and left behind an Oscar fish in poor health in a dirty tank. Hinson couldn't be reached by telephone and court records don't list an attorney.
The 6-inch fish is being nursed back to health at an aquarium store.
Lt. Jerry Brewer says it's the county's first animal cruelty case involving a pet fish, but this "is a life like any dog or cat."
Residential Real Estate Broker · College Station, TX · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 969 votes
7y
Update on the Cruelty To Fish Saga: Appears tenant got off on Technicality.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Charges have been dropped against a North Carolina man accused of leaving his pet fish behind without food when he was evicted.
New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David told news outlets Tuesday that 53-year-old Michael Hinson is no longer charged with animal cruelty and abandonment. He says fish aren't protected under related statues that define "animal" as amphibians, reptiles, bird and mammals, excluding humans.
Officials say Hinson was evicted from his Wilmington home last month and left behind an unhealthy Oscar fish in a dirty tank. He was arrested last week after officials found the 6-inch fish, which is being nursed back to health at an aquarium store.