A Florida man is facing serious charges of child abuse and animal cruelty after allegedly forcing children to kill the family pet pig with a hammer and physically assaulting a girl for spilling chips on the kitchen counter.
The accused, Glen Byrd, 35, was arrested following a tip-off to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office regarding the abuse of a young girl in his care. The incident that led to the investigation occurred on November 23, when Byrd reportedly hit the girl with a detached dryer cable. The abuse didn’t stop there, as the girl also accused Byrd of pouring juice on her and her siblings, as well as smashing a glass table with a hammer.
Upon reviewing photographs of the girl’s injuries, authorities deemed them to be severe and inconsistent with normal physical discipline. The girl’s allegations prompted further interviews with the children in the home, including Byrd’s 17-year-old stepson. The investigation revealed disturbing details about Byrd’s behavior, including his role in the death of the family’s mini pig earlier in the year.
According to the affidavit, Byrd expressed a desire to get rid of the family’s pet teacup pig in October. He allegedly forced the children to strike the pig with a hammer until it stopped moving. After the animal’s death, Byrd reportedly instructed his stepson to dispose of the pig’s body by throwing it into a nearby retention pond.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office also spoke with Byrd’s live-in girlfriend, who appeared unsure and inconsistent in her responses during questioning. Investigators noted that her lack of confidence and contradictory answers raised further concerns about the abuse occurring in the household.
Byrd was arrested on February 15 and charged with multiple counts of child abuse and animal cruelty. He posted a $100,000 bond on February 26. Byrd’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 24. At the time of his arrest, his attorney declined to comment on the case.
