WEBSTER — Officers from the Webster Police Department arrested a 26-year-old man on Wednesday, Sept. 18, on multiple counts of animal cruelty following a thorough investigation.
At approximately 5:15 p.m., Officers David Brooks, Nicholas Caruso, and Spencer Donovan executed an arrest warrant for Cordell Gignilliat at his Nelson St. residence.
The warrant, issued by the Dudley District Court, stemmed from a criminal probe into allegations of animal cruelty conducted by Officer Robert Rockwood and Animal Control Officer Desiree Roussin.
Gignilliat faces three counts of animal cruelty charges in connection with the case.
He was taken into custody without incident and maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The investigation centered on a dog named Ziggy, who has endured severe medical issues attributed to the abuse.
Ziggy’s required treatments and diagnostic imaging are projected to surpass $6,000, a cost that could severely strain Webster’s Animal Control budget and impact the care of other animals.
The Webster Police Department and Animal Control are committed to advocating for victims of animal cruelty like Ziggy, whose recovery remains hopeful but financially burdensome.
Community members with information on cases of animal cruelty are urged to contact the Webster Police at 508-943-1212.
Anonymous tips are accepted.
