Robert David Starkweather, 51, of Collier County, has been charged with 144 counts related to cruelty to animals. The State Attorney’s Office has filed 131 counts of the charge Cruelty to Animals and 13 counts of Animals (Improper Disposing/Dead) for the handling of animals that allegedly died in his care. The cruelty charges filed by our office involve alleged crimes that occurred in Hendry County with the animals being starved with no access to food.
There were 77 cows, 48 calves, and 2 donkeys found on property on Fort Denaud Road in LaBelle by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office after an anonymous tip was called in. There were 13 animals found dead upon arrival.
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with substantial assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The animals were seized and were taken from the property and moved to another location. One calf died and five had to be euthanized due to their poor health conditions after being looked at by a veterinarian.
Starkweather was arrested on March 23rd.
Starkweather will be arraigned on May 17th at 9 a.m. Assistant State Attorney Mitchell Cooper is prosecuting the case. Attached are the information and some evidence photos that are public record from the case.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org