LCSO arrests man for animal cruelty and evading court appearance

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JAMES LYSTER MUGSHOT, ANIMAL CRUELTY

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man for violating the conditions of his release from jail after he was arrested for animal cruelty.

James Lyster, 52, was arrested in August 2023 after deputies said they responded to a call at his home after neighbors heard him screaming and his Pomeranian Benji squealing.

Lyster was arrested on charges of animal cruelty and put in jail for a month before being released pending trial on certain conditions. Lyster violated those conditions in early May.

He was located and arrested on Tuesday.

Deputies said when Lyster opened the door, authorities found blood smears on the wall and Benji bloodied, shaking, and unable to stand.

Benji was taken to a local animal hospital, where he was treated for a broken jaw, internal bleeding, and other injuries.

Benji has since fully recovered from his injuries and is now with a loving family.

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