Pets

Jenelle Evans' husband, David Eason, viciously beat, shot and killed the family dog, but there's nothing automatically stopping him from getting a replacement ... at least not legally.

The Columbus Humane Society in Whiteville, NC near where they live, tells us it's absolutely possible for the couple to adopt a new pooch, regardless of the fate of the family French Bulldog, Nugget.

We're told the only way Jenelle and David would be blocked from adopting would be if animal control or law enforcement provided documentation detailing why the home would be a danger to the pet ... and that hasn't happened ... at least, so far.

The couple would be subjected to the same process as anyone else looking to adopt -- fill out an application and provide background info ... such as other pets in the home, whether the couple has ever returned a pet to a shelter and veterinarian contact info.

What's apparently not asked on the application, unfortunately, is if anyone in the house has ever killed a dog out of uncontrolled anger.

The humane society also conducts home visits to ensure the house is safe and appropriate for the animal ... which might DQ them if David's history with visitors is any indication.

Our source at the society says it doesn't do formal background checks, nor does it scour social media for info on applicants ... but its normal adoption procedure is thorough and does address any red flags that pop up during the approval process. It's hard to believe, however, what David did wouldn't raise a red flag.

We're told it also investigates if there are anonymous tips warning of potentially bad adopters. Again ... you would think, right?

For the record ... we've confirmed Jenelle and David did not get their previous pups from the Columbus Humane Society.

Jim Fowler -- the famous zoologist who made tons of appearances alongside Johnny Carson on the 'Tonight Show' and made a cameo on "Seinfeld" -- has died.

The longtime co-host of "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" died Wednesday at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut ... according to his family. The cause of death is unclear.

Fowler worked at a raptor sanctuary in Florida before landing his show 'Wild Kingdom' in 1963 ... co-hosting with fellow zoologist Marlin Perkins before going solo from 1985 to 1988. The show was later revived in 2002 and it aired until 2011.

Fowler, of course, appeared in over 100 episodes alongside Johnny Carson and also served as a wildlife correspondent for 'Today.' Fowler and Carson were tight ... to the point both families all went on a vacation to Africa after the 'Tonight' host retired.

Fowler was huge in the bird world ... becoming the first man to successfully trap a harpy eagle and bring it back alive in the U.S.

"Seinfeld" fans will remember him for his appearance on season 9 of the hit series ... "The Merv Griffin Show" episode. Kramer invited Fowler for his animals segment of the show. Fowler brings a hawk which hilariously attacked George Costanza, who was holding a squirrel.

Fowler was born in 1930 in Albany, Georgia. He was a standout baseball player who fielded offers from the Yankees and Phillies. Fowler was also rather tall ... standing an intimidating 6-foot-6.

But, he was a big softy when it came to all animals. The "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" wrote on its page Fowler's mission as a naturalist was to "educate the public about wildlife specifies throughout the world and how to preserve environments for both animals and humans."

"Little Women: LA" star Christy Gibel says she needs court-ordered protection against her husband, and she needs it now ... TMZ has learned.

The reality TV star filed court docs Wednesday in L.A. County asking a judge to grant her a temporary restraining order against her hubby of 5 years -- Todd Gibel.

Our Christy sources claim Todd has been making life for her and her 19-year-old daughter from another relationship miserable in a number of threatening ways. For one, Christy says Todd has been impersonating her via email and shutting her out of her social media accounts. She also suspects he's been ripping up her mail.

On a more petty level ... Christy says Todd's been doing stuff like unnecessarily raising the temperature in the house to unbearable levels. For that reason and others ... Christy says she fears for her life and needs a force field between her and Todd.

The married couple has certainly been going through a tough time lately, as Todd has been battling depression. He told us late last month that he'd be seeking treatment to better his condition -- which he explained was severely affecting his marriage to Christy.

At the time, Todd said ... "Right now Christy and I still live together, but we are just co-existing."

There's been more drama at home, it seems, in recent days -- social media posts Todd's been putting up paint a picture of constant arguing over family coming to visit and their dogs.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Todd even called cops late Sunday night ... complaining about Christy's pup not shutting its yap when her niece came to visit. We're told cops instructed them to figure it out amongst themselves.

They tried doing that by boarding all three of their dogs up for a day -- Monday, we're told -- but it appears Todd's now fighting with Christy about that too ... saying she's not releasing his own dog, Elvis, to him and holding it hostage against his will.

1:17 PM PT -- WE tv finally got back to us, and it sounds like the network is trying to distance itself from the "Marriage Boot Camp" folks who reached out to Jenelle's peeps, because a spokesperson just said, "WE tv has no plans to cast Jenelle Evans on Marriage Boot Camp."

Jenelle Evans isn't missing a beat after getting booted from "Teen Mom 2" ... because we've learned she's already been approached by "Marriage Boot Camp," and our sources say she and her husband, David Eason, will be doing the show.

Our sources say the folks at "Marriage Boot Camp" have been trying to get Jenelle and David on the show for 2 years, but MTV -- which produces "Teen Mom 2" -- has always said no. We're told one MTV exec even warned her not to do 'Boot Camp' because it would ruin her image.

But, now the decks are cleared, and we're told Jenelle and David are both game.

And, that's not the end of it ... we're told Jenelle is going to New York City next week to meet with producers of other shows. It's uncertain if networks are interested in a package deal -- Jenelle and David -- or just Jenelle alone, but it's a safe bet everyone wants both.

And, we have more info on why Jenelle got fired from "Teen Mom 2." As we reported, David killing the family dog was the last straw, but now we know what a problem it created for MTV. We're told Briana DeJesus, who also appears on "Teen Mom 2" was shooting in Florida and 2 restaurants refused to allow the show to film because the restaurant owners were so upset over the dog killing.

We're also told there were similar problems in other states as well.

Short story ... Jenelle has lost 6 figures after getting fired from MTV, but she's still marketable.

We've reached out to "Marriage Boot Camp," so far, no word back.

Jenelle Evans' days as a 'Teen Mom' are done -- MTV has severed ties with her and her family following David Eason's murder of the family dog ... TMZ has confirmed.

A spokesperson for MTV tells us, "We have stopped filming with Jenelle Eason as of April 6, 2019 and have no plans to cover her story in the upcoming season." The rep also reiterated the company's previous firing of David, saying, "MTV ended its relationship with David Eason over a year ago in February 2018 and has not filmed any new episodes of 'Teen Mom 2' with him since."

You'll remember, David was fired as a result of homophobic comments he made ... and MTV has gone to great lengths to avoid dealing with him on the show.

Our sources say MTV executives told Jenelle's manager the killing of Nugget was the last straw and they feared he was out of control and wanted no part in what they see as a looming disaster. We're told Jenelle was making six figures per season and that is now gone. Jenelle is still with David.

The decision to cut ties with Jenelle comes on the heels of her husband shooting and killing her French Bulldog as punishment for nipping at their 2-year-old daughter, Ensley ... even though video of the incident showed it was far from a vicious attack.

The Columbus County Sheriff's Office and Animal Control have initiated a joint investigation into allegations of animal cruelty against David, who allegedly slammed the poor pup against their home's back deck before taking him into the woods and shooting him to death.

Law enforcement told us Animal Control officers did visit the family's property to do an initial check, but left without talking to anyone because they were scared away by "No Trespassing" signs and a pit bull on the porch.

As we've reported ... Eason also has a history of posting gun-crazed videos online flaunting his home arsenal, and has been accused of domestic violence.

Country House -- the winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby -- will NOT get a shot at the Triple Crown after his owner pulled him from the Preakness because the horse developed a bad cough.

"He developed a little bit of a cough this morning," trainer Bill Mott told the Daily Racing Form.

"His appetite is good. He doesn't have a fever. But he's coughing. We drew blood. He's acting like he's going to get sick. He's off the training list, and if he's off the training list, he's off the Preakness list."

Mott believes the illness is probably a "little viral thing" but he doesn't want to take any chances and feels it's best to pull Country House from the May 18 race.

"Hopefully it doesn't develop into anything serious. Usually when something like this happens, a horse misses a couple weeks of training. He's not seriously sick right now, but he's showing indications that something is going on."

Probably a smart move considering Country House is now set to make a FORTUNE as a stud horse -- and the owners must feel there's not much to gain in running a sick horse in the Preakness.

Country House was named Kentucky Derby winner after Maximum Security was DQ'd for interfering with other horses during the race.

David Eason has killed their family dog and people close to the family are worried sick he poses a danger to Jenelle Evans, the 3 kids in the house and the other family pets, and they have now made their move with Child Protective Services ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to Jenelle and David tell TMZ, some have already called CPS and others will call as early as later Monday, asking the agency to remove David from the family home.

They are worried for 2-year-old Ensley, 4-year-old Kaiser and David's 11-year-old daughter, Maryssa. They are also deeply concerned about Jenelle's pit bull, Jax. As we reported, David has already shot the dog with a BB gun for chasing animals on the property.

We're told the local Sheriff and people associated with Jenelle and David are frustrated because -- without Jenelle's cooperation -- they are unable to file criminal charges against him.

We've learned the Plan B is Child Protective Services. They want the agency to remove David from the home, on grounds he's a danger to everyone living there. The end game is to get David mental health help ... in particular anger management.

The complication -- David has "No Trespassing" signs on the property, and up to now law enforcement has been concerned over entering. They're afraid the pit bull could attack them -- in addition to getting shot by David. But, we're told the pit bull is harmless. Still, David's a real concern.

David Eason, the husband of "Teen Mom 2" star Jenelle Evans, is the most dangerous man in the 3 counties surrounding their home ... and that's from an official in the Columbus County Sherrif's Dept.

A source directly connected to the dog-killing investigation tells TMZ, the Sheriff's official contacted this person saying, "He [David] is the most dangerous person we've seen in the 3 counties," but there's nothing they can do unless Jenelle wants to take action against her husband.

As we reported, David viciously killed their French Bulldog this week after the animal nipped at his 2-year-old daughter ... a nip which, by the way, didn't even break the skin or draw blood. We're told he threw the dog on the back deck before killing it with a shotgun.

Our sources say the Sheriff's Office has been informed David has also shot at Jenelle's pit bull with a BB gun for chasing animals on the property.

And, we're told, relatives believe Jenelle won't file a restraining order or take other action against David "because she's afraid of him."

We're told the Sheriff's Office has told people involved in the family they are sympathetic to them but just can't do anything without Jenelle's cooperation. They also say they can't go on the property without permission and David has made it clear ... law enforcement is not welcome. The Sheriff's official who spoke with our source fears David will do something "way more horrible" if he isn't stopped.

Jenelle Evans husband is now admitting what seems obvious after brutalizing and shooting his family dog -- that he has dangerous anger issues, but he's ready to get help keeping his temper in check.

Sources close to David Eason say the former reality star is on the hunt for a program or therapist to administer anger management. We're told he knows his temper has become a massive strain on his marriage.

It's not just about impressing Jenelle, though. On the heels of killing their French bulldog, Nugget ... we're told Eason truly understands his anger could be a danger to his loved ones.

TMZ broke the story ... Eason is under investigation for animal cruelty after pummeling, and then shooting Nugget -- all after the dog barely nipped at their 2-year-old daughter.

While the investigation is ongoing, a law enforcement source tells us Eason could catch a break if he can prove he feared the dog could become aggressive again. There's a section under animal cruelty laws in North Carolina that states a pet owner can kill an animal lawfully for "the purposes of protecting the public, other animals, property or the public health."

As for Eason's temper ... it was on full display Friday in a Wilmington, NC courthouse when he threatened a reporter attempting to ask him about the dog case. Eason was in court to pay back child support to an ex-girlfriend. Sources tell us he had to pawn some personal items last minute to come up with the $5,187.

"Teen Mom 2" just suffered another casualty -- this time in the form of an advertiser -- Greenies pet treats has cut ties with the MTV show.

In a statement Friday, Greenies announced, "We have zero tolerance for animal cruelty and we can now confirm that as a result of this incident, our ads will no longer run during Teen Mom programming."

Greenies joins a mountain of companies who have pulled the plug on their relationship with "Teen Mom." Chipotle, Dove Chocolates, TWIX and Persil ProClean are among some of the brands who have also cut ties.

TMZ broke the story ... "Teen Mom 2" star Jenelle Evans' husband, David Eason, is under investigation for animal cruelty after he allegedly pummeled and then shot his family dog. Both the local Animal Control and Sheriff's Department is working on the investigation.

David Eason, Jenelle Evans husband, who allegedly killed their family dog with a shotgun, made it clear to a photog in court Friday ... stay clear of him, or else.

Eason was in a North Carolina courtroom because he owed $5,187 in back child support. He had a deadline of Friday to pay up or possibly be held in contempt and go to jail. He showed up empty-handed, but the judge gave him a reprieve ... to come up with the money in the next few hours.

Eason left court, and a photog/reporter for WSFX tried asking him about killing his dog, but he wasn't having it and warned, "Don't get in my face, bro. I promise you don't want to do that."

Eason came back a short time later and paid the money.

He owed the money to Olivia Leedham, the mother of his 5-year-old son. Leedham claimed back in 2013, when she was 8 months pregnant he shoved her and also left her in the middle of the road when she was 7 months pregnant.

As for the dog ... we're told he was irate after the French Bulldog nipped at his daughter after she got in the dog's face ... beat the animal, and then shot it to death.

David Eason doesn't just abuse and kill helpless animals -- he's also allegedly abused his baby mama and fell way behind on child support payments ... and if he hasn't paid by today he could end up in jail.

Eason is currently under criminal investigation for animal cruelty. As we reported, earlier this week he savagely beat and then shot his French Bulldog which barely nipped at his 2-year-old daughter's face. The nip was so minor it didn't draw blood or even puncture the skin. We're told David repeatedly slammed the dog on the back porch before taking it to the backyard and killing it with a shotgun.

But, his troubles don't end there. Eason briefly dated a woman named Olivia Leedham in 2013 and the two had a son together. Leedham went to court, claiming Eason shoved her when she was 8 months pregnant and left her in the middle of the road at night when she was 7 months pregnant.

The two have been in a nasty custody battle for years ... and we've learned he's fallen thousands of dollars behind in child support. His deadline for paying it is today, and if he hasn't anted up he could end up in jail.

Animal Control officers were unable to talk with Eason during their visit Thursday because the family's pit bull was on his front porch and "No Trespassing" signs were posted on the property. Animal Control officers didn't feel it was safe to enter so they asked the Sheriff's Department to figure out the next move.

Todd Chrisley is urging Jenelle Evans to get herself and her daughter the hell away from David Eason in the wake of him killing the family dog ... because he's convinced the guy will snap again.

We got the star of "Chrisley Knows Best" Thursday at LAX, and he went off on Jenelle's husband. Todd has some extra sympathy in this situation because he also owns a French bulldog named, Lilo. Not surprisingly, he called the slaying disgusting ... and insists Eason needs professional help.

Todd says his Frenchie is also around kids -- primarily his 6-year-old granddaughter, Chloe -- and suggests better parenting might have prevented the heinous act in Jenelle's home.

As we've reported ... Eason shot and killed Jenelle's French bulldog, Nugget, because it nipped at their daughter, Ensley.

Animal control wants to know exactly what happened to Nugget and where the body is -- but Todd firmly believes there's enough evidence that Eason poses a great danger to his family. He suggests Jenelle get out while the getting's good.

1:30 PM PT -- The Columbus County Sheriff's Office just told TMZ they, along with the Columbus County Animal Control, have "initiated a joint investigation into allegations of animal cruelty. The investigation is ongoing."

1:11 PM PT -- A source close to Jenelle tells us right after Nugget nipped at his daughter, David brought the dog outside and continuously slammed him against their back deck ... from there, he took Nugget into a wooded area and shot him.

12:07 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us Animal Control officers just went to Jenelle's home to do their check. We're told officers were able to drive onto the property through an open gate, but there was a grey pit bull on the porch and several "No Trespassing" signs.

Our source says the Animal Control officers -- fearing for their safety -- left the property and alerted the Sheriff's Department who, we're told, will now attempt to complete the visit.

We're told officers want to determine if Nugget is alive and whose name is on ownership papers for the dog ... from there, they'll be able to determine next steps.

Animal Control wants Jenelle Evans and David Eason to answer some questions about the death of their family dog, but that might be easier said than done ... based on David's history with unwanted visitors.

TMZ's learned that following the news that Jenelle's husband shot and killed her French Bulldog, Nugget -- for nipping their daughter, Ensley -- North Carolina's animal welfare hotline was flooded with calls about the incident.

We're told the Attorney General's Office received 138 complaints and referred them to Animal Control after review, and also informed the Columbus County Sheriff.

Sources connected to the case tell us Animal Control is sending an officer to the 'Teen Mom' couple's house Thursday with a mission -- confirm the dog is dead, and verify Jenelle and David have possession of the dog's corpse.

It's unclear what, if any, legal action could be taken after that -- but it likely won't be an easy visit for Animal Control. Eason reacted aggressively when authorities showed up at his home in December.

As we reported, he posted a series of gun-crazed videos after he said Secret Service drove up on his property to question him about some threatening social media posts. He said he wasn't afraid to shoot future trespassers ... and showed off his stockpile of ammo.

David's alarming behavior reached a new level Wednesday, when he practically admitted on Instagram to killing Nugget. Jenelle later confirmed it, claiming David dragged the dog into the woods and shot him.

Up to this point, David's gotten away with it. The Columbus Co. Sheriff's Dept. made it clear the only way they'll take action is if Jenelle files a police report. We were told they don't rely on "sensationalized" social media reports. We'll see if a report from Animal Control will change their mind.

Remember the puppies dumped in a Coachella trash bin??? The same team that helped rescue them is at it again ... rescuing this baby burro which is proving to be a real, tough ass.

Riverside County Animal Services tells TMZ ... the 3-day-old female donkey was found in the middle of the road Wednesday in the San Jacinto Mountains, about 3 hours southeast of L.A. We're told the person who found it brought it home after noticing a big cut ... on the burro's butt.

The good Samaritan -- who said he coaxed the animal to follow him home -- told officials the donkey was alone and its mother nowhere in sight. A veterinary team from Animal Services scooped up the animal and treated the laceration. Officials think it was cut on a barbed wire fence.

The burro's now in the hands of veterinarian Sharon Gonzales, who volunteered to foster the beast ... no burden. Turns out she already has 2 others at home.

Of course, Riverside County Animal Services got the public to help identify the heartless bitch caught on camera throwing a bag of 7 puppies in a dumpster last month. Authorities ultimately arrested Deborah Sue Culwell, who faces 7 felony counts of animal cruelty.

You will not see Jenelle Evans' husband shoot and kill their dog on "Teen Mom 2" ... because David Eason is considered poison as far as MTV is concerned, and he will never, ever appear on the show.

Jenelle finally confessed ... David viciously took their French Bulldog to a wooded area near their home and pumped bullets into it ... just because he got pissed off the animal nipped at their daughter after she got in the pooch's mug. Fact is ... 2-year-old Ensely was fine ... Nugget didn't even puncture the skin.

What we don't know ... was David so depraved that he filmed the shooting? Of course, we do know ... the actual nip was caught on camera.

Our sources say MTV wants nothing to do with David because it's just the latest in a string of violent, alarming incidents ... among them, a domestic violence call, a gun-crazed rant about the Secret Service showing up at his home following a threat to the President and another animal cruelty incident involving a pig. The show fired David a year ago after making anti-LGBT comments.

David has a lot of guns at their house, and he's made it well known he's not afraid to use them to protect his property.

We're told MTV will air NO video of David, partly because of his actions, but also because they perceive him to be a real threat. One source said they're worried about the safety of Jenelle and her family.

There's cause for concern ... producers shot many of Jenelle's scenes far away from the family home, but David threatened to crash the set numerous times and wreak havoc. BTW, no word yet on whether the show will be picked up for a new season and it's unclear if there are plans to 86 Jenelle.