10/08/2025
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, at any time. It knows no racial, age, gender, or socioeconomic boundaries and occurs in all communities. Leaving the cycle of abuse is never easy, and it’s import to know the signs.
Coercive control often precedes or accompanies physical violence, but even without physical abuse, it’s recognized as a serious form of domestic abuse in many jurisdictions. Victims may feel trapped and powerless, believing escape is impossible or dangerous.
Research shows a strong connection between intimate partner violence and animal abuse. Abusers will often harm or make threats against animals as a means to control, intimidate, and isolate their partners.
Animal abuse can have a profound psychological impact on both the human and animal victims. It can also become a barrier to safety, as many victims delay leaving an abusive relationship out of fear for their pets’ wellbeing.
Below are a list of animal cruelty cases in Lexington in which we know that animals were used as tools to control, manipulate, or harm victims in the context of domestic violence:
14-M-08935 / 15-CR-00202
Donaghy, Matthew
The suspect admitted to placing Todd Schumacher’s dog, Monroe, in a hot oven following a domestic dispute. While court proceedings for the animal cruelty charge were ongoing, Monroe went missing and was never found. Just days later, Donaghy murdered Schumacher.
16-M-00511
McKinney, Michael
During a domestic assault, the victim’s dog, Blue Montana, was stabbed in the face while attempting to protect her from her boyfriend’s attack. Blue Montana required emergency veterinary care but thankfully survived.
22-F-00263
Smith, Yvonda
Amid a domestic dispute with her fiancé, Smith shot his dog, Ranger, while he was confined inside a wire crate. Despite emergency veterinary efforts, Ranger did not survive.
22-M-06809
Goggins, Khristian
During a domestic dispute, Goggins stabbed his girlfriend’s dog, Khronic, multiple times. The dog required surgery but fortunately survived.
22-CR-00678
Adkins, Dalton
During a domestic dispute with his wife, Adkins shot and killed her dog, Trixie, while her dog was confined inside a wire crate.
25-M-00183
Green, Adam
During a domestic dispute, Green threw his girlfriend’s dogs outside of their apartment—one appearing to have been thrown down a flight of stairs. Green admitted to using the dogs to upset and emotionally manipulate her during the argument.
These are only the cases in which our agency was directly involved. We also know, and fear, that many similar incidents go unreported.
Our hearts go out to all victims—human and animal—who suffer because of domestic violence. We share this message in hopes that it reaches the right person at the right time, before it’s too late.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to GreenHouse 17’s 24-hour crisis hotline number 800-544-2022 or contact Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 502-209-5382.
Help is available. You are not alone.
