Webster man arrested for animal cruelty, fundraiser launched for dog

Webster police arrested a man Wednesday for allegedly mistreating two dogs, the department said.

Cordell Gignilliat, 26, faces three counts of animal cruelty, the department said in a statement. Each count carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison, according to court documents.

Court documents show that police went to Gignilliat’s home on June 10 after a neighbor across the street reportedly heard someone hitting a dog. Officers investigated and discovered that Gignilliat had allegedly mistreated two dogs in his care, according to a police report. The report states that Gignilliat allegedly hit, kicked, yelled at and threatened the two dogs multiple times during several separate incidents.

One of the dogs, named Ziggy, has “serious medical issues” due to the alleged abuse, Webster police said in a statement. Ziggy’s treatment will likely cost about $6,000, which would “cripple” Webster’s animal control budget, the department said.

“We are hopeful that Ziggy will recover, but we recognize the significant costs associated with this guarantee and Ziggy’s future is uncertain,” the statement said.

Webster Animal Control said it was unable to set up a GoFundMe, but asked anyone wishing to donate to write a check or money order payable to “the city of Webster” and note “animal control.”

However, a Webster resident has created a GoFundMe to help cover Ziggy’s medical expenses. As of Sunday night, the GoFundMe had raised more than double its initial goal of $6,000.

Any funds left over after Ziggy’s treatment will go to other animals in need, Webster Animal Control said in a social media post.

Webster police urged anyone with knowledge of incidents of animal cruelty to contact them at 508-943-1212.