Pinellas County Judge Kathleen Hessinger cleared SPCA Tampa Bay of animal cruelty charges Wednesday, July 29, ruling the county failed to prove the nonprofit neglected a 350-pound potbelly pig named Waddles while he was in its care.

"I am finding that the SPCA is not guilty," Hessinger said. "Because there is absolutely no evidence."

The bench trial at the Pinellas County courthouse drew dozens of supporters, many wearing pink shirts for Waddles. The case had shadowed the nonprofit for a year, prompting online threats against staff and raising questions about how Pinellas County Animal Services investigates the very shelters that take in hard-to-place animals. SPCA Tampa Bay is the only nonprofit open-admission animal shelter serving Clearwater and all of Pinellas County.

How the case started

Waddles was surrendered to SPCA Tampa Bay in July 2025 after his owner lost her home. About two weeks later, a rescue group contacted Pinellas County Animal Services with concerns about the pig's condition. The county cited the shelter in August 2025, alleging Waddles suffered severe sunburns because he lacked adequate access to shelter.

Lt. Joseph Burch of Pinellas County Animal Services testified that the pig received severe burns that caused unnecessary pain. The county also argued Waddles' mobility issues prevented him from reaching shade in his enclosure.

SPCA Tampa Bay disputed those claims. Defense attorneys said Waddles arrived with pre-existing skin and hoof problems, had access to a barn for shade and mudholes to cool off, received veterinary care, and that investigators rushed to a wrong conclusion.

SPCA Tampa Bay initially paid the cruelty fine, which court records show constituted a guilty plea. The organization later argued it did so based on "inadequate legal advice." A court vacated that plea in March 2026, sending the case to trial.

In June 2026, SPCA filed a motion to dismiss, claiming immunity as a veterinary establishment under Florida law. A judge denied that motion, and the case proceeded to the bench trial that ended Wednesday.

Judge's rebuke

Hessinger did not stop at a not-guilty finding.

She criticized the county's investigation and questioned why the nonprofit became the target after stepping up for an animal no one else would take. "No good deed goes unpunished," the judge said. She added there was "never any question whatsoever in this case that the SPCA did anything intentionally."

Martha Boden, SPCA Tampa Bay's president and CEO, said the fight was about protecting the organization's reputation. "To have that integrity questioned, that professionalism questioned, really broke our hearts," Boden said after the ruling, according to Tampa Bay 28.

In July 2025, when the controversy first erupted, Boden told FOX 13 that misinformation had led to name-calling and threats against staff members.

Where Waddles is now

Waddles has been living on Connie Pavelich's ranch in Lithia since leaving SPCA Tampa Bay's care in July 2025. He shares the property with two other pigs and some chickens.

No appeal or further proceedings have been announced.

Community calendar

SPCA Tampa Bay is open for adoptions at 9099 130th Ave. N. in Largo. The shelter cares for more than 8,000 animals annually with a team of over 100 staff members and 250 volunteers. Visit spcatampabay.org for hours and available animals.