Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods is asking for the public’s help in locating a man who is wanted for 24 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 17 counts of animal cruelty.
Sheriff Woods, in his regular “Wanted by Woods Wednesday” segment on Facebook, asked for assistance in finding 43-year-old Ivery Luckey.
During an investigation into the well-being of over 80 cattle, MCSO agricultural deputies and Marion County Animal Control officers discovered that a majority of the animals were so malnourished that their rib cages were visible. According to Sheriff Woods, the animals were in this condition due to Luckey’s alleged cruelty.
“The horrible neglect these animals experienced at the hands of this individual is downright disgusting,” said Sheriff Woods.
According to Sheriff Woods, Luckey previously spoke with Animal Control officers and claimed to be in Georgia. He told the officers that he would come back to speak with them, but he has not returned.
Sheriff Woods stated, “You need to do the right thing, Ivery, and turn yourself in. My citizens don’t like animal abusers, and they will have no problem telling us where you’re hiding.”
If you have any information on Luckey’s whereabouts, please call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP and reference 22-50 in your tip. If you use Crime Stoppers and your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.