The Webster Police Department Massachusetts has issued a statement regarding the arrest of a man who allegedly abused two dogs. A Webster resident created a GoFundMe to cover the medical care costs for one of the dogs. The fundraiser has accumulated double the funds that were originally needed.
Community GoFundMe surpasses goal to help abused dog’s recovery
The Webster Police Department Massachusetts shared a statement on their Facebook page. It stated that Cordell Gignilliat, 26, has been charged with three counts of Animal Cruelty. Boston.com reported that court documents show that on June 10, the police responded after a neighbor allegedly heard someone beating a dog. The authorities went to Gignilliat’s house and carried out an investigation.
The police report states the man allegedly abused two dogs under his care. Gignilliat reportedly abused the dog multiple times during different incidents. He threatened, kicked, struck, and screamed at the two canines. The Webster Police Department’s statement noted Gignilliat was arrested without incident at his residence. They added he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Moreover, the statement shared the dog involved in the tragic incident is named Ziggy. The pup has suffered “extensive medical issues,” which are “believed to be the result of the abuse.” The authorities also stated the additional treatment and diagnostic imaging are expected to cost more than $6,000. Meanwhile, Webster Animal Control shared they were unable to create a fundraiser. They noted they accept donations in checks or money orders written out to “the town of Webster” with the memo “animal control.”
However, a Webster resident has set up a GoFundMe page to cover Ziggy’s medical expenses. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has surpassed $12,000, more than double the initial funds goal. Following that, Webster Animal Control noted that Ziggy’s additional treatment cost will depend on what they find in the diagnostics. Since the fundraiser exceeded the amount they originally needed, any leftover funds will go towards other animals in Animal Control’s care.
