North Carolina Man Charged with Felony After Allegedly Stabbing and Killing Dog in Park
A shocking incident unfolded at Weaver Park in north Asheville, North Carolina, on Monday when a man allegedly stabbed and killed a dog while its owner was playing pickleball. James Wesley Henry, 43, has been charged with a felony count of cruelty to animals and is currently in custody on a $10,000 bond.
The owner of the dog, Liesbeth Mackie, described the attack as unprovoked, stating that her 11-year-old mixed breed dog, Beignet, was peacefully lying in the shade when the man started yelling and arguing with himself before launching the brutal assault. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the man repeatedly striking the dog with a knife until it succumbed to its injuries.
The Asheville community has been left reeling from the incident, with many expressing shock and outrage at the senseless act of violence. Asheville Police Capt. Michael Lamb noted that incidents of erratic behavior, possibly linked to mental health and addiction issues, have been on the rise in the area.
This tragic event has reignited concerns about rising crime rates in Asheville, with city leaders facing criticism for failing to address the issue effectively. The victim’s husband, Tom Mackie, blamed liberal city leaders for the surge in crime and homelessness, declaring that Asheville is “no longer safe.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific incident, questions are being raised about the need for greater support for mental health services and law enforcement in the area. The Asheville Police Department has been struggling with staffing shortages, making it difficult to maintain public safety and address the growing challenges facing the city.
The shocking attack on Beignet has left a lasting impact on the Asheville community, serving as a stark reminder of the need for action to address the underlying issues contributing to the rise in violent crime in the area.
