Goldsboro Man Arrested For Allegedly Attacking Dog
Goldsboro Man Arrested For Allegedly Attacking Dog Save Email Print
Posted: 10:15 AM Jan 6, 2009
 Last Updated: 12:12 PM Jan 6, 2009
30 comments
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A Goldsboro man is behind bars right now after he allegedly beat his dog right in front of a school bus full of kids. Fortunately the dog managed to survive.

Apparently 47 year old Donald Hatem tried to strangle his dog, the Wayne County Department of Animal Control was able to rescue the animal.

According to authorities Hatem faces felony charges of animal cruelty as a result of the beating.

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Posted by: me on Jan 11, 2009 at 08:47 AM
look, I am so sick of people posting terrible comments about Donald. Donald is an animal lover and a very kindhearted person. He did NOT strangle and beat is freaking dog,he spanked his dog for running into the street. Donalds life has been completely turned upside dow, over an inaccurate story. I wish everyone would just lay off of him,he is not the person the media has portrayed him to be.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: in the local area on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:58 AM
This is for the one ragging on the last name. This guy has a family in the local area and I pretty much think this is an embarrasment for them and for those with this last name, you can judge this person if you like but please don't judge the last name. I know some of these people and they are good people and they do come from a wonderful family and I feel really bad for this family. This guy has some awesome family members and like I said before I know this has to be VERY EMBERRASSING for them. So PLEASE don't judge the last NAME!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Are you guys not taking any more comments about this person. I've sent two so far for this one and one for the other person and you have not posted my comments for this one but have for the other one in a matter of a few mins. Whats going on??? Not being ugly but would like to see my comments I feel like they both have valuable info. that others should be reading.Thanks ( V ) and (why pass judgement)
Posted by: V Location: Goldsboro on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:04 AM
To those that r following these 2 stories about the animals and 4 those that has read that " Mackenzie" is out on a 3,000 bond 4 KILLING ANIMALS AND HAVING ANIMALS IN HIS CARE THAT R PRETTY MUCH ON THEIR LAST LEG and "Hatem" is being charged with felony charges for his actions. What kind of system is being runned here. If you had 2 choose who would get the ligter sentence? Who deserves to be out on bond and who deserves to be behind bars. So cast a vote and share a response.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Goldsboro on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:39 AM
I've been reading all the comments 4 both guys and "Makenzie" is out on a 3,000 bond and "Hatem" is being charged with felony charges and the other guy gets only a slap on the wrist you might would say how is this? At least the 'Hatem" dog is alive and not dead. Would 'Hatem" got a lighter charge if his dog was dead? It seems that way to me after reading about "Mackenzie" and his issue. So for all those thats passing harsh judgement towards this "Hatem" guy ,please read and focus on "Mackenzie" and his issue. Hes the one that should b trashed and not "Hatem" his dog is alive and it was just one animal and not a dozen animals. I'm not condoning what "Hatem" did by no means at all. But I just think that the system is beng unfair to this person and people are trashing him when they shouldn't. I love animals just as much as the other readers and I have pets of my own that I love. I just think b4 passng judgement people should look @ both articles and decide which 1 did a major felony.
Posted by: why pass judgement? Location: Goldsboro on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:45 PM
This is to for those that likes to pass judegment on others. Until you know exactly what happened I feel like you shouldn't judge. What are you really judging the person personally or the incident that happened? I was at the house when the animal control came and got the dog and from what I could see of the dog he was not hurt nor was Rockie bleeding or did he act scared and timmid. If you saw the size of the dog you would almost have to man handle him to get him under control. I'm not saying be mean physical with him , I can see how the bus driver could say that he was choking the dog if he grabbed the dog by thenap of the neck to grab him if he diden't have his collar on. How can you grab a dog of that size without a collar? And besides I feel like if the animal control was so worried about this dog and the way the dog was being handle then why did they wait so long to come and RESCUE HIM!!! This happened in the morning mayb 7-8 and they didn't come until I say between 1:30 - 2pm.
Posted by: disgusted with people Location: not in Kansas anymore on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:05 PM
What is wrong with people? We have people that get their kicks by hurting animals and children. It truely makes me sick to my stomach. If people are really "above" animals, then they should act as such. We have the ability to reason and make decisions. People in a civilized society are supposed to have self-control. As for the comment about not being judgemental, well, guess what? That's why our society is in the shape it's in--people are so worried about offending somebody or being judgemental. Hello?! That's what used to deter people from being criminals!! Now, criminals have more rights than their victims. As for making the man late for work, give me a break. When kids do something to make you late for work, should they be strangled too? And I did post on the blog about the sicko that decapitated and tortured animals. Again, take a hard look at the shape in which our society finds itself. It just confirms all I've said here.
Posted by: scott Location: goldsboro on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:57 PM
To Animama: I spank my children and discipline them strongly.Some people do not agree with it but I think it is appropriate, others do not.I am not saying it is okay to abuse a child or an animal but you do have to maintain the control factor if you want the child or animal to be obediant.It is a shame people get as worked up as they do over animal rights but can overlook all of the other important issues in todays world.
Posted by: Al Location: Greene Co on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I have known this family for over 30 years. This one has always had an anger issue. It is finally time it caught up to him. I don't care if the dog got loose a hundred times ; the dog did not deserve this ! More so the Kids who saw it did not deserve a jerk like Donald to show them how to abuse an animal. I think he should pull some serious time and attend anger management classes and have a nice long community service cleaning the Kennels at the shelter and do a public speaking on animal cruelty. Furthermore I think the guy from Fremont needs to have his hind end beat and stay a lot longer time in prison . While he is there anger management and mental help . He needs Help and Cherry Hospital is the place for a long long time!!Call me extreme but there are signs. He has the classic signs of a serial killer. Glad I don't live near Fremont anymore!
Posted by: Animama on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Come on Scott, loose dog or not, you don't jerk him around because he has frustrated you. I hope the dog goes to another home, "Hatem" surely doesn't seem to care about him. Mistake? So if the kids had not seen him it would have been OK for him to abuse the dog???
Posted by: Lynne Location: Ayden on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Scott, if what you say is true, it sounds like he MAY have been taking his frustration at running late out on the dog. It may not have been quite innocent as it seems he is trying to make it out to be. I am not saying that he is a bad or cruel person just that he may have acted without thinking and with more force than intended. I hope for his and the dog's sakes that it was mostly a misunderstanding of his actions and that he wasn't "beating" and "strangling" the dog. The story doesn't say if the dog was removed from the home or if he/she was checked out by a vet which could shed more light on what really happened.
Posted by: scott Location: goldsboro on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:32 AM
before you pass judgement you should know all of the facts,I know this man personally and do know the facts, the dog had gotten loose a couple of times and he was going to get the dog so he could go to work, the only mistake he made was by being seen by children, he was told by animal control that if he was not seen and reported there would be no problem with disciplining the dog.As far as everyone refering to his last name it just shows the mentality of you who think you are above or better than others or able to pass judgement. I do not condone animal abuse and this was not the case ,he was just trying to secure his animal so he could go do an honest days work without his dog roaming the neighborhood and giving something else for people to complain about.Lets look at all the other terrible things that go on in the world before we get ready to execute someone for loving and disciplining their animal and making sure they are taken care of which is more than alot of people do.
Posted by: H Location: mn on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:58 AM
That poor little pup. Those kids on the bus are probably traumatized!!!
Posted by: think people Location: nonya on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:34 AM
no excuse? maybe the dog was a pitbull and he had tried to attack a kid trying to get on school bus. You dont know, it doesnt say so just relax and comment on the killer who was cutting off the dog paws and heads k? shut it YOU PEOPLE CAN BE SO JUDGEMENTAL JUST STEP BACK AND THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK AND LET GOD DEAL WITH THE JUDGING
Posted by: Jennifer Location: Washington on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:33 AM
They should try strangle this jerk. I wished the dog could of bit the crap out of him. Sick people in this world.
Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:59 PM
He likes to beat up a little dog. I would like to see him on a cold field with no trees to climb surrounded by a pack of wolves. Then lets see who gets the beating. My 4 little dogs are not dogs they are family. I hope the courts make him pay for what he did.
Posted by: Sue on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:49 PM
I love my dog. What a peice of crap man!
Posted by: PAWLOVER Location: ENC on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Thumbs up to the people who weren't afraid to speak up and get involved. It is easy for alot of people to look the other way and it takes courage to not look away. Kudos to those people! Everyone here: if you see something that needs to be reported DO IT! IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO! GET INVOLVED! YOU'LL MAKE THIS A BETTER PLACE BY DOING SO! ALL THE DEFENSELESS ONES WILL FOREVER THANK YOU FOR IT! Thank you Wayne Co for taking animal's rights seriously and being there for them.
Posted by: Anne Location: Craven County on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Could you imagine if this nut has kids? If he can do this to a helpless little dog,what would he do to a child? I say,put him UNDER the jail....
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Time to bring back the public whiping post.
Posted by: dave Location: goldsboro on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:29 PM
this dirt bag should be strangled
Posted by: Ms. E on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Those little children should had beat him with their bookbags and lunchboxes. He must didn't take his meds that morning. Another looney bin in the streets.
Posted by: Ladyluck Location: Winterville on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:22 PM
Has anyone noticed this guys appropriate last name. What a jerk.
Posted by: J Location: Gville on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Again...return the favor to him. Minus the school bus full of kids. People are snapping, seriously.
Posted by: Saddened Location: NC on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:09 PM
I just don't understand people. They've gone pure bonkers. Someone bigger than that dud is should have a choking hold on him. Let him get a taste ot what he dished out on that animal.
Posted by: sue Location: plymouth nc on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM
thank god the animal was saved. the creep that did this should be put under the jail house, and never ever be allowed to see daylight again in his life. that is pure mean treating a animal like that. he needs to be treated the same way, and someone needs to prove to him that he is not as tough as he thinks. why pick on a animal that can't defend himself? that man is sick and a disgrace to the human race.
Posted by: Rick Location: Washington on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:49 PM
The important thing is that this person's neighbors have the courage to take charge, monitor his activites very closely, and report to animal control any future attempts to posess or abuse another animal or maybe even a child.
Posted by: Wendy Location: Goldsboro on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:47 PM
This is so sad.Last week a small puppy came in our yard.I noticed he had been beaten and very much abused.I did not try to find the owner.This puppy now has a second chance and is very happy to be with me.
Posted by: Animama on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:27 AM
This is why I love animals more than people! This is a man with a "small ego" who wouldn't dare to something like that to a human, he'd be scared to death! His punishment will not be harsh enough, it never is...
Posted by: Sandy Location: greenville on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:17 AM
I think his last name is appropriate. Shame on him,he should pay a steep price.
Posted by: Tracy Location: NB on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:10 AM
I hope the authorities do the same to him as he did to the dog. Hopefully the dog will go to a good home. I don't know why people take out their stress and fustration on the innocent.
Posted by: terrible on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:06 AM
bury this man under the jail. there is no reason for that.

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