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Alleged Animal Abuser's Trial Set To Begin Monday

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: January 7, 2009

SEBRING - A local man charged with battery and animal cruelty in reference to the beating of a Sebring woman has his case on Monday's trial docket.

John Patrick Thrift Sr., 48, of 4502 U.S. 98, is charged with assault, battery, criminal mischief and cruelty to animals. Jury selection will begin in the case Monday, according to Bob Germaine, Highlands County Clerk of Courts.

The charges stem from a July 20 incident, where deputies with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the 4800 block of U.S. 98, in Lorida, on a battery complaint.

The victim, a 63-year-old woman, told law enforcement that Thrift had come to her ranch the night before, during an animal auction, and was highly intoxicated and somewhat disruptive. She said she was able to calm him down.

By the next day, the suspect was back at the ranch, again allegedly intoxicated, and damaging the property, according to the arrest report. Thrift was said to have caused approximately $1,140 in damage.

The defendant reportedly knocked the victim to the ground three times, with the third time rendering her unconscious.

At that point, Thrift allegedly entered the hog pen and attacked the victim's pet pig, Wilbur. The animal was frothing white foam from the mouth and bleeding as a result of the attack, according to the arrest report.

Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin previously said the victim informed him Wibur died about four days after the attack.

National attention was brought to the case courtesy of an article in the Oct. 13 edition of the National Enquirer.

The arrest and subsequent charges filed against Thrift were profiled as part of an ongoing series called "Lock 'Em Up," which looks at cases of animal abuse from across the country.

The local state attorney's office received hundreds of letters from readers across the country in reference to the Enquirer story.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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