Hinson was charged April 4 with multiple counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty after he vacated a home last month in Wilmington, N.C. He left behind a pet oscar fish that was discovered malnourished, diseased and living in “deplorable” conditions. State prosecutors combed animal cruelty statutes while Hinson, 53, posted a $4,000 bond for release. David dropped charges of animal cruelty and abandonment against Hinson, though he criticized the alleged behavior that endangered the fish. Lane said oscar fish, which can grow longer than 12 inches and live up to 20 years, are “great pets.” He estimated that the recently rescued fish is about a year old.

Source: Washington Post April 10, 2019 13:05 UTC