JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 64-year-old Jacksonville woman accused of using her vehicle to intentionally run over a group of ducklings pleaded not guilty Thursday to 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Beverly Sasberry, 64, also pleaded not guilty to one misdemeanor count of reckless driving.
She is scheduled to be back in court on June 25
A couple told police they witnessed a red Honda Accord deliberately drive over a group of ducklings on Tempest Street on the city’s Westside.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the driver, later identified as Sasberry, turned the vehicle around multiple times to hit the animals.
When the couple confronted the woman days later, she told them she intentionally killed the ducks because she was upset they had made a mess in her yard, JSO said.
The couple then reported the incident to JSO and provided surveillance video showing the woman driving over the ducklings. Officers identified Sasberry as the owner of the red Honda Accord.
Video recorded by a neighbor captured the disturbing moments. News4JAX has blurred part of the video. Some viewers may still find it difficult to watch.
On Thursday, April 30, officers pulled Sasberry over and arrested her following an interview. She faces 11 counts — one for each duckling — of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony charge.
“We do not take animal cruelty cases lightly,” officials said. “If you see someone committing a crime against an animal, please give us a call at 904.630.0500.”