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Seizure Of 121 Tarpon Springs Dogs Leads To 46 Cruelty Charges

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By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

Updated: 08/07/2008 02:40 pm

Prosecutors filed 46 counts of animal cruelty against a Tarpon Springs woman who had more than 100 dogs in her Ranch Road home.

The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office filed the misdemeanor charges Tuesday and issued a summons today for Teresita Hughes to appear in court Aug. 18, court records show.

The Suncoast Animal League took custody of the 121 dogs seized from her home April 7 and says it has spent more than $100,000 on veterinary bills.

The dogs were being neglected, living in crates and not getting adequate exercise or air, authorities say. Some of their food was tainted with feces, a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputy said.

On July 23, a judge ruled that 60 of the dogs, mostly Pomeranians, Malteses and Yorkshires, be returned to Hughes because the animal league did not have authority from the Pinellas County Commission to seize the dogs.

The animal league had filed a petition seeking custody of the dogs, but the judge threw out the petition after determining the league had not received approval from the county commission to seize the dogs.

Hughes said she is able to care for 60 dogs.

The animal league is still caring for the dogs and plans to appeal the ruling, said Rick Chaboudy, the animal league's executive director.

All the dogs are in foster homes.

"They are living like any normal dog would," he said.

One died not long after being removed from the house, but two puppies were born since the dogs were removed from the house and kennel.

Many continue to have serious health problems, Chaboudy said.

Some have had all their teeth pulled, and some have had knee surgery because their knees pop out of joint. Others have tumors or hernias.

"It's a daily battle. I've never seen so many things wrong with these little dogs. They were on wire all their lives and had no exercise," Chaboudy said.

As part of the order to relinquish the dogs, the judge ruled that a representative from one of the county's humane societies would make weekly visits to the house once the dogs are returned.

Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7731 or njohnson@tampatrib.com.

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