Animals

An equestrian trainer who was seen on videos dragging a horse and appearing to make it bleed has now been charged with animal abuse, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Two clips were shared on a Facebook page last week ... with one appearing to show Ontario woman Solstice Pecile pulling a horse in a moving vehicle while on an isolated road.

In the footage, it sounds like Pecile is yelling at the horse while fiercely yanking the animal by its muzzle.

"Walk!" Pecile says in the video. "Good girl."

In the other video, which appears to be the aftermath of the pulling session, the horse seems to be bleeding from its hooves. The woman appears to have the horse's blood on her hands, and she can be heard calling the animal the R-word while seemingly chastising it.

"Awesome. Fantastic," Pecile said sarcastically in the video. "Why are you a r*****? Hmm? Why? Why? Why?"

Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police opened an investigation into the vids after they surfaced online ... and according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Pecile has now been charged with causing distress to an animal.

If treated as a minor offense and assuming it's her first offense, Pecile faces a $75k fine and potentially 6 months behind bars. If treated as a major offense, she faces up to $130k in fines and up to two years in prison.

Thanksgiving dog shows are usually viewed as counter-programming to football, but this year there's a connection between the 2 ... because the top dog has an NFL connection!!!

Winston, a 3-year-old French bulldog, won Best in Show at the 21st Annual National Dog Show. The pooch is partly owned by L.A. Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox.

Winston was top dog over hundreds of canine competitors. The show drew a huge audience -- 20 million folks tuned in to NBC for the fun.

One of the judges, Vicki Seiler-Cushman, gushed over Winston ... "He has a razzle-dazzle that says, 'I am here to win tonight.'"  She calls him the perfect pet.

FYI ... French bulldogs are the Avis of dogs ... the second most popular behind Labs.

As for some of Winston's competitors ... there's Cooper, an English Toy Spaniel, Sloan, an Irish Water Spaniel, and River, a German Shepard.

Some put on the football game on Thanksgiving, and some tune into Macy's big parade ... but MILLIONS of fans of our four-legged friends are watching the National Dog Show on Turkey Day.

We've gotten some behind the scenes pics of NBC's pup competition, presented by Purina, an event that catches an average of 20M sets of eyes every year -- it's televised directly after Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Nearly 2,000 dogs across 200 breeds are goin' for gold at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center ... and these furry friends are just as loveable as they are dedicated to the hustle -- especially this little face licker!

Grooming is no joke to dog handlers, because they put their animals through some rigorous steps to look 'Best in Show' ... including this doggy that's getting its ears primed for the big day!

The savage killer/killers of 4 Idaho college students spared the life of a dog at the house where the frenzied attack unfolded.

The Moscow Police Department released a statement Monday night, explaining the pooch was found uninjured the night the University of Idaho students were fatally stabbed with a combat knife. The dog was initially placed in the care of Animal Services, and then handed over to a "responsible party." Further details about the canine were not disclosed.

Meanwhile, police dismissed media reports theorizing that the quadruple homicide might have a connection to the recent killing -- and skinning -- of a mini Australian shepherd named Buddy, miles from the crime scene.

Dead animals were also discovered on another residential property, but they were victims of "wildlife activity," cops said.

Moscow PD investigators have been working with the FBI and Idaho State Police to identify the still-at-large assailant/assailants. They opened an FBI tip line requesting anyone with information on the slayings to contact them immediately.

As we reported, police found the bodies of the students inside the home after responding to a 911 call on November 13. Two surviving roommates were also present, but they were apparently asleep and not involved in the attack.

They later called friends to the house because they thought one of the victims had fallen unconscious and wouldn't wake up. Multiple people inside the house spoke with the 911 operator, using one of the roommates' cell phones.

A couple living in the area where the University of Idaho student slaughter says their dog was brutally killed -- skinned from head to tail -- just weeks before the 4 students were massacred.

Buddy, a 12-year-old mini Australian Shepherd, was killed in October ... according to owners Pam and Jim Colbert, who told DailyMail they let the pup outside before heading to bed -- and he was soon found dead.

They say the only fur left on the dog was on its paws and head ... they believe someone might've been waiting for them to let Buddy outside.

Police reportedly haven't made the connection between the death of Buddy and the college students' murders ... but it's clear the Moscow community has all the more reason to stay on high alert.

As we reported, investigators believe the attack was targeted, but have not pinpointed an exact motive. They've been searching high and low for the murder weapon -- a combat knife similar to the one used by Sylvester Stallone's character, Rambo.

Moscow PD recently acknowledged the 911 call came from one of the surviving roommates' phones ... but wouldn't say exactly who called the police.

Moscow PD Chief James Fry said in a press conference there were 'other friends' in the residence when the 911 call was made.

Fry also confirmed that the killer did not make the 911 call.

Jeffrey Dahmer's father is admitting he ignored a ton of warning signs about his killer son's behavior, but it's the why -- which he shared with Dr. Phil -- that will likely piss off the public.

Lionel Dahmer got candid with the daytime TV host during his 3-day special on the Dahmer case ... and Phil asked him if, in retrospect, he feels he should've seen the evil coming. His response is pretty chilling.

He recalled Dahmer between the ages of 11-14, and said his son used to roam around country roads where they lived to collect the remains of various animals that had been killed ... and then he'd take them home in garbage bags.

Lionel says there were all kinds of dead animals from foxes to small dogs, but he claims it wasn't until Dahmer's trial he found out his son would explore the animals' insides and feel them up.

It's interesting he's claiming he didn't know, because the Netflix series depicts Lionel as sharing that gory experience with his son in their basement.

Now, you'd think the collecting of the carcasses would be enough of a "red flag," but he says he simply didn't dig any deeper into Dahmer's behavior because he had friends who did the "same thing."

As you'd imagine, that explanation didn't sit right with survivors, who told Dr. Phil ... Lionel's ignorance about his son is complete BS.

Jason Momoa says he's not cutting bacon from his diet, despite adopting a wild pig ... but PETA's lookin' to change his mind, by sending him a gift basket full of piggy alternatives.

PETA tells TMZ ... the company's sending Aquaman a package with staples from the vegan/vegetarian community -- including fakin' bacon, plant-based jerky, sham ham, and pigless pork rinds.

Jason's not just getting food -- the basket's coming with a cute plush pig ... with a message -- "Pigs are friends, not food."

ICYMI, we got Jason in L.A. Wednesday after he posted about his little pig, Manapua ...  but told us he's stickin' to his diet as usual -- despite having a new porky pal.

PETA's rep says JM clearly loves his adopted pig, so their team's hoping he'll open himself up to leaving pigs off the table ... after getting a taste for what else is out there.

An Arizona driver sure doesn't seem to give a hoot -- cops say they found an owl in his passenger seat when they pulled him over for a DUI in Arizona ... and that's not even the strangest part of the story!

Payson PD says they found the little copilot early Thursday morning when officers performed the traffic stop. As they approached the vehicle they immediately noticed the bird of prey riding shotgun.

Here's the weirder part ... cops say the driver told them he bought the owl at a local gas station!!! The convenience stores really DO have it all.

Well, now it's not just a bizarre mystery -- it's potentially a crime. Payson police say it's illegal to transport, possess, buy or sell wildlife in the state unless expressly permitted under Arizona law.

The owl was reportedly picked up by the AZ Game and Fish Department after the discovery, but was apparently unable to be released back into the wild -- due to minor injuries.

As for the driver, cops say he was arrested for aggravated DUI, possession of methamphetamine and possession of wildlife.

Jason Momoa and his new four-legged pal are gonna have some major philosophical differences, we think -- because Jason's still eating pork after adopting a wild pig.

We got the actor outside Jimmy Kimmel's show Wednesday in Hollywood, and asked if he was considering changing his diet now that he's taken in the little piggy he met while shooting his new Netflix movie, "Slumberland."

His answer can't be too shocking -- keep in mind, Jason admits naming the pig after 2 Hawaiian dishes made with pork ... Lau Lau and Manapua.

He told us why doing away with bacon and the like just isn't an option for him ... at least not now.

Don't get it twisted, Jason's not planning to chow down on his adopted pet ... and he's feeling sorry about not being able to stop eating the little guy's friends.

The Montana hunter who shot a Siberian Husky and then skinned it has now been charged with a crime.

As we reported, Amber Rose Barnes says she mistook the 6-month-old dog for a wolf during a hunting trip back in September.

She's been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty, this according to the Flathead County Sheriff.

The 36-year-old hunter may have sealed her fate by bragging about her kill on social media ... "So this morning I set out for a solo predator hunt for a fall black bear however I got the opportunity to take another predator wolf pup 2022 was a great feeling to text my man and say I just smoked a wolf pup #firstworld #onelesspredatorMT."

The Husky was one of a dozen or so dogs that were abandoned in the Flathead National Forest, and that's where Barnes encountered the dog.

Barnes claimed she shot the dog in self-defense, saying the dog was acting wild and aggressive ... this after a wave of online outrage.

She said ... "This animal was growling howling and coming at me like it was going to eat me. Yes, I made a mistake because I did think it was a hybrid wolf pup but I was not aware of a [sic] 19 dogs being dropped 11 miles into the wilderness either way yes I would still have shot it because it was aggressive and coming directly for me!"

The Problem Child looked more like the Problem Cowboy ahead of his fight against Anderson Silva ... 'cause Jake Paul showed up on horseback to his open workout on Wednesday!!

The undefeated boxer -- who's known for his grandiose antics before bouts -- decided to one-up himself in Phoenix ... by doing his best Canelo Alvarez impression and making friends with a foal.

Of course, Canelo is known for his love of animals ... and has showcased his horse-dancing skills over the years.

Paul eventually got off his horse and got to work ... showing off his moves in the ring.

But not only did Paul ride on a horse -- he had several HPs on his wrist, too ... with a Bugatti watch he wore to the open workout!!

TMZ Sports has learned, JP was rockin' a Bugatti Chiron 16-cylinder Tourbillon watch made by Jacob and Co.

The limited edition is designed with 18k of rose gold, anti-reflective sapphire crystals, and a 30-degree inclined Tourbillon cage. Unsure what Jakey dropped ... but we're told the retail price for this bling is $380k!!!

Silva also had his time to shine during his workout -- although, he did not have a horse.

Paul is now the favorite (-190) to beat Silva on Saturday ... after initially coming in as the underdog.

Silva says he's been training like crazy to prove the doubters wrong ... and after reports he was knocked out twice in sparring (which he says was NOT true), he released a statement confirming he's in fantastic fighting shape.

"I am fit and ready to fight and the only knockout people should be worried about is the one I'm about to deliver to Jake Paul on Saturday night."

A monkey, believed to be the pet of a deceased man, apparently couldn't let go -- and we mean that literally, 'cause it was holding on to the body like he might come back to life.

Check out this footage that was purportedly taken in Sri Lanka, where a guy's funeral is taking place and his body is laid out in an open casket with people all around. There's also a langur perched on the edge looking down onto what some are saying is his owner/master.

No way to verify this, really, but it certainly seems to jibe with what the primate is doing here ... caressing the man and trying to wake him up, almost like it's mourning itself.

At one point, the langur leans down and appears to kiss the man's face -- and later, it even grabs the guy's arm and tries to shake it a bit. When people try pulling the monkey away, it stands firm and refuses to go easily ... and the sweet moment is moving people online.

If there is actually a prior relationship between these two like the internet is suggesting ... then it's pretty eye-opening. You always hear about creatures being able to feel sadness and loss, and this would seem to confirm that.

Paolo Banchero says being the BMOC at Duke actually ain't all that ... explaining this week that sometimes he felt like a straight-up "zoo animal" at the school.

The #1 overall pick broke down what life was like as a Blue Devil superstar to R.J. Hampton on Fubo Sports Network's "The Young Person Basketball Podcast" ... and he said, at times, people treated him weirdly on the Durham campus.

Don't get it twisted -- he said he LOVED being a member of the team and a student at the university ... but things did get awkward from time to time.

The new Orlando Magic wing said people would whisper behind his back, stare at him ... and take sneaky videos of him.

"Sometimes it'd feel like you was, like, a zoo animal or something, bro," the 19-year-old said. "They would like, on God, in class, you would see them over there whispering about you. Like, staring at you."

Banchero even said students would bring their entire families to his dorm room -- just to get a peek at the basketball standout.

"I open my door and it's a mom, dad, their daughter who goes to Duke and, like, they're little brother," Banchero recalled. "And, I'm just like, 'Damn.'"

Banchero spent only one season at Duke in 2021 before he was selected in this year's NBA draft. And, he did say ultimately he had fun on the ride.

Daniel Ricciardo took his horse to that old town Grand Prix on Thursday ... showing up to Austin in the most Texas way possible!!

Of course, the Australian McLaren driver is OBSESSED with the Lone Star state ... and has become a fan of all things Texas since the event made its way to Austin in 2012.

In fact, DR has even tried to do his own Texas accent in interviews in the past ... and it's not half bad!!

Riccardo decided to show off just how much he loves his second home as he showed up to the Circuit of the Americas on Thursday ... by throwing on a Stars and Stripes shirt and cowboy hat and hopping on a horse to make a truly American entrance.

To make it even better, Daniel had country musicians accompany him as a crowd formed around him.

The best part?! Ricciardo's horse, apparently named "Horsey McHorse," had its very own VIP access badge -- complete with photo identification!!

When mountain climbing isn't dangerous enough, add another life-threatening element -- an attacking bear ... a terrifying encounter the climber captured on video.

The wild interaction went down earlier this month at Mt. Futago in Japan, where the climber was descending a rocky ridge when he was suddenly face-to-face with a charging black bear that was seemingly protecting a cub.

You can see and hear survival mode kick in for the climber ... who punched, kicked and screamed at the bear as it came within inches of his face, and then tumbled down to a ridge below him.

Although he was able to ward off the bear's initial attack ... the guy had to keep fighting it off with punches and kicks at the animal's head -- and all while managing not to fall off the face of the cliff.

After about 30 seconds, the bear ran off with its cub in tow, disappearing into the brush.

For his part, the climber says he was the one invading the bear's territory ... but he had no choice but to defend himself after the bear attacked.

Some pesky tourists got exactly what they had coming to them after getting way too close to a huge elk ... prompting it to put its antlers to good use by charging right at one of 'em!!!

The bull elk was just doing its thing in Estes Park, CO, and while several people were admiring the animal ... most kept a safe distance, at least compared to the eventual target.

The clip, shot last month, is crazy -- the elk surveys the gathered gawkers before it finally had enough ... some bystanders who were further away even cheered once it went antlers down and rushed at a guy.

The man who got chased was making noise to get the elk's attention, according to the person who filmed the incident. They also say the guy was fine afterward ... he got more of a warning than an all-out attack.

The team at Colorado Parks and Wildlife says more than 280,000 bull elk are in the state -- and they're only in Rocky Mountain National Park from September to October.

Park officials say people should keep up to 2 bus lengths away from these creatures.