This is Gunther. On the morning of July 2, 2004, this wonderful 1 year old American Staffordshire Terrier became the victim of domestic violence. The initial report given to the veterinarian by Gunther’s owner, Tanya Whitson, stated that her boyfriend, Jeffrey S. Kirby, 26, had, after an argument with her, picked a sleeping Gunther up off Whitson’s bed and threw him through a glass-top table. This injury caused severe damage to his back right leg. Though Ms. Whitson seemed concerned about the dog, her concern quickly waned as she spoke with Kirby on her cell phone from the vet’s office. “You better not try to have sex with me tonight!” was the punishment he’d receive from her. Nice.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office became involved. Their report states things slightly differently:
“…(Kirby) picked the victims 1 yr old pitbull up off the bed. The Def then slammed the dog down into a end table which had a large glass ashtray on it…” Jeff Kirby was arrested later that morning at his home at 703 2nd Ave NW, Apartment A, in Ruskin, Florida. He’s been charged with Felony Animal Cruelty.
VOCAL has Gunther. As this alert is written, he is no more than 20 feet away. Neither Ms. Whitson nor Mr. Kirby will ever get him back. The veterinarian has done a great job putting him back together. He’s got a long, tough road ahead of him, but he’s got all the time he needs and all the care he wants. Once he’s been rehabilitated, VOCAL will find him a new home where he’ll never be a victim again. Thankfully, Gunther shows no signs of animosity, aggression or timidity in light of his recent abuse. He’s very happy getting attention, giving kisses and laying on the couch with a new friend. He will be a wonderful addition to any family.
Regardless of the specifics of the reports, Jeff Kirby is 210 pounds of violence and cowardice, and needs to be prosecuted for his crimes.
At the time of this incident, Mr. Kirby was on house arrest/work release from a 2001 incident involving Grand Theft 3rd Degree (a 3rd Degree Felony). In May of 2004, he was sentenced to 3 years of probation and 180 days incarceration, which was changed to the aforementioned house arrest.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Insist on his prosecution and tough sentencing. Please contact:
State Attorney Mark Ober
800 E. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 272-5400
Case Number: 04-CF-012410
It’s important to show strong support, as this is an election year for Mr. Ober.
Please ask that Jeffrey Kirby:
1.
Serve the remainder of his prior sentence BEHIND BARS;
2.Be sentenced to the extent allowed by Florida’s sentencing guidelines for this offense;
3.Be forced to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and complete any therapy deemed appropriate;
4.Be forced to complete a course for domestic violence offenders;
5.Be enjoined from owning, possessing or cohabitating with another person who owns or possesses any other animals;
Kirby will stand before The Honorable Judge William Fuente. Judge Fuente has received awards for his services on the bench. He can be contacted at the Hillsborough County Courthouse, here:
800 E Kennedy Blvd.
Rm 124-Annex
Tampa, FL 33602
Please feel free to cc us here at VOCAL with any letters or e-mails. On letters, save the postage, and just send us an e-mail that you wrote to Mr. Ober. E-mails should be addressed to chad@forthevoiceless.org
Please check back often to see the progress of this case. This page will be updated as hearing dates are set. We also plan to be in attendance during Mr. Kirby’s court appearances.
Thank you for standing up for Gunther, and helping to ensure that Jeffery Kirby doesn’t hurt another animal again. As always, thank you for everything you do for animals each and every day!
