TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

4 Dead Dogs Found At Home Of Lithia Breeder

News Channel 8 photo by PAUL LAMISON

This dog with heavily matted fur was seized from a house in Lithia.

ADVERTISEMENT

By LAURA FRAZIER, The Tampa Tribune

and KATIE CORONADO, News Channel 8

Published: December 10, 2008

Updated: 12/10/2008 08:45 pm

Four dead dogs were found by Hillsborough County Animal Services when authorities went to remove more than 80 animals from a Lithia property Wednesday after an anonymous tipster said the creatures were living in deplorable conditions.

More than 80 dogs, cats and exotic birds were found in what authorities described as a "dungeon" at 1306 Pelote Cemetery Road in Lithia, said animal services spokeswoman Marti Ryan. One of the four dead dogs discovered was possibly pregnant, Ryan said.

The animal breeders lived in the main house while most of the animals were left in another house, Ryan said. Authorities found many of them had feces hanging from their matted-fur faces.

"Our concern right now is to get the animals," Ryan said. "Some of theses animals haven't seen light in a very long time."

Ryan said her office got an anonymous tip about the site, which she says houses an animal breeding business.

Neighbor Tamara Dunn was shocked when animal services arrived to take the animals.

"We thought he was reputable breeder and he was breeding for shows," Dunn said.

The creatures have been taken to animal services, where veterinarians will do preliminary animal exams, Ryan said. Some of the dogs had tumors, dehydration, dental disease and other infections.

Authorities are still investigating the scene and no charges have been filed at this time.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT