Kapaau Man Faces Felony Animal Cruelty Charges Over Dogs

A 68-year-old man from Kapaau, Hawaii, has pleaded not guilty to charges of animal cruelty involving over 30 dogs. Gary Henry Dewenter faces a Class C felony charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. The allegation stems from claims that he allowed his dogs to roam freely and unattended in the community.

Judge Wendy DeWeese of the Kona Circuit Court has scheduled a jury trial for March 3, 2024. Normally, the charge would be classified as a misdemeanor; however, due to the number of animals involved, it escalates to a felony. Dewenter is currently out on his own recognizance, which is the least restrictive form of cashless bail.

Conditions set by Judge Kimberly Tsuchiya prohibit Dewenter from owning or possessing any pets for the duration of the case. During his arraignment on October 29, 2023, Deputy Public Defender Lezlie Kiaha represented Dewenter, but the Office of Public Defender has declined to provide further legal assistance, citing that Dewenter does not meet the criteria for indigence.

Court documents reveal that Dewenter is accused of creating a public nuisance by allowing his dogs to stray onto neighboring properties. Specifically, two locations are mentioned: an abandoned property on Ala Kahua Drive in Waimea and Dewenter’s residence on Makapala Road in Kapaau.

Reports indicate that all dogs recovered from these properties were found in poor health, infested with fleas, and lacking medical attention. The conditions of the animals were described as substandard, with limited access to water and confinement in an abandoned residence filled with trash and feces.

Due to his “demonstrated inability to provide proper care,” Dewenter was instructed to surrender the dogs and assist Animal Control in securing them. Allegedly, he refused to cooperate and attempted to chase the dogs away to prevent their capture. Despite these efforts, Animal Control successfully took custody of more than 30 dogs from the two properties.

As the trial date approaches, Dewenter is advised to seek private legal representation to address the serious nature of the charges against him. The situation has drawn significant attention from the community, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Hawaii.