VIRGINIA BEACH – A local pig farmer was convicted Monday morning of 11 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, barring the man from ever owning any animals, both domestic and agricultural.
Gary Morris Sr. was arrested just over a year ago on Jan. 13, 2016, and charged with eight counts of animal cruelty, two counts of inadequate care and one count of leaving a dead animal on a road after investigators found more than 110 pigs on the property, located on the 2800 block of Salem Road.
Morris wasn’t providing the animals with proper food, primarily feeding them leftover Krispy Kreme doughnuts. He also failed to give them medical care, shelter or enough drinking water, according to an email from Macie Allen, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney.
“The shelter was dangerous, with nails and boards sticking out, potentially causing injury to the animals,” Allen wrote. “Many were emaciated. There were also deceased hogs found.
A maximum jail sentence of 12 months and a fine of $2,500 were imposed on each of the charges but were suspended. Morris must instead pay a restitution of more than $4,700.
