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2 Lithia Residents Charged In Animal Cruelty Case

News Channel 8 photo by PAUL LAMISON

This dog with heavily matted fur was seized from a house in Lithia. Authorities said the home was used for an animal breeding business.

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 23, 2008

Updated: 12/23/2008 09:27 am

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• 4 Dead Dogs Found
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Ian Roth

Christie Roth

Two Lithia residents have been charged with animal cruelty and confinement of animals without food and water after investigators removed dozens of animals from their home.

Four dead dogs were found by Hillsborough County Animal Services when authorities went to remove animals from the property Dec. 10 after an anonymous tipster said the creatures were living in deplorable conditions. Authorities said the home was used for an animal breeding business.

More than 80 dogs, cats and exotic birds were found in what authorities described as a "dungeon" at 1306 Pelote Cemetery Road in Lithia, Animal Services spokeswoman Marti Ryan said. One of the 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.

Investigators arrested 38-year-old Ian Roth and 43-year-old Christie Roth on Monday on one count each of animal cruelty and confinement of animals without food and water. Bail was set at $2,500 each. They have since been released from jail.

Animal Services expects additional charges against the Roths, Ryan said.

The dogs were taken to Animal Services, where veterinarians did preliminary animal exams. Some had tumors, dehydration, dental disease and other infections, she said.

The owners are fighting to keep their dogs, but Animal Services plans to petition to take them, Ryan said. The dogs can't be adopted unless it is determined Animal Services can keep the dogs, she said.

No one answered the phone at the Roths' home this morning.

News Channel 8 reporter Katie Coronado contributed to this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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