BREAKING: Oklahoma man Robert Peters has been arrested in St. Louis on 16 counts of animal cruelty, raising urgent concerns following a tragic incident involving his young son just months ago. The arrest took place as Peters attempted to cremate four dogs at a local crematorium, prompting staff to alert authorities due to the unusual circumstances surrounding his request.
Upon investigation, police discovered a disturbing scene: multiple dog crates stacked haphazardly, with many dogs covered in feces and urine. Officers noted the animals appeared lethargic from high temperatures in the back of Peters’ vehicle. This shocking revelation has drawn attention from both local authorities and the public, highlighting the potential connection to a previous tragedy.
In May 2023, Peters’ six-year-old son was tragically mauled by family dogs in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Operations John Szymanski expressed his horror at the previous incident, stating, “Unfortunately, I’ve been doing this almost 30 years, and this is probably the worst thing I’ve ever seen.” The boy was attacked while retrieving a charger from a vehicle in the driveway, and when Peters found him, he was unresponsive.
Authorities had initially regarded the child’s death as a horrific accident, leading to no charges being filed against the family. However, the recent charges against Peters have sparked renewed scrutiny. Investigators confirmed that the dogs involved in the May incident did not appear to be neglected, with food and water available at the time.
During questioning, Peters claimed he and his wife operated a dog transport business, facilitating the adoption of rescue animals. This business, previously known to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, came under fire as deputies noted that during the tragic incident in May, Peters had assumed control while his wife was away. Szymanski remarked, “I think just this time they had way too many animals to be transported this time of year in this type of heat.”
Peters appeared in court on October 24, 2023, pleading not guilty to the animal cruelty charges. He has been ordered to remain in custody without bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 31, 2023.
This developing story raises critical questions about animal welfare and the accountability of pet owners, especially in light of the horrific events that have unfolded. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate Peters’ past and the circumstances surrounding both cases.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.
