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Officials List Ailments Of Dogs Seized From Auburndale Breeder

News Channel 8 photo by JENNIFER LEIGH

Deputies took the animals to a sheriff's office animal control veterinarian in Winter Haven.

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TBO.com

Published: September 3, 2008

Some of the dogs seized Tuesday from an Auburndale animal breeder were so neglected they went blind, authorities say.

A doctor has examined the dozens of the dogs and concluded they were victims of chronic medical abuse and neglect, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies and animal control officers seized 24 Yorkshire terriers, seven Chihuahuas, two Dachshunds, one Rottweiler and one Doberman pinscher from Pat's K-9 Kennels, run by Patricia Cooper, 68, at 120 Dairy Road. Also taken were five cats and five birds.

Cooper was charged with 25 misdemeanor counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water or exercise and one misdemeanor count of transporting or selling dogs or cats without adhering to health requirements or consumer guarantees.

Deputies responded to Cooper's address after they received anonymous information that a woman was selling puppies there, operating as Pat's K-9 Kennels, without proper documentation, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies took the animals to a sheriff's office animal control veterinarian in Winter Haven.

Cooper signed over custody of 25 animals to the sheriff's office. She could not provide any recent medical or vaccination paperwork for the animals, the sheriff's office stated.

Veterinarian Joseph Ertel examined the dogs today at the animal control facility. He said:

•Several had untreated tumors;

•Several had untreated hernias;

•Most exhibited chronic corneal irritation with associated conjunctivitis and scarring from improper grooming and hygiene -- some severe enough to cause blindness;

•Several had excessive tartar on teeth with accompanying gingivitis;

•Most were skinny to the point of ribs and vertebrae showing;

•Several had severe inflammation of foot pads and adjacent tissue caused by constant exposure to feces and urine;

•Several had chronic ear infections with associated tissue inflammation;

•And many had overgrown nails.

Some of the dogs were in good health but still were removed, as is protocol in an animal neglect or cruelty case. The sheriff's office has temporary custody of the animals and will petition the court for permanent custody, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

If permanent custody is granted, the healthy animals will be available for adoption, but the process to obtain custody can take several weeks.

The dogs in need of medical attention that were willingly signed over to the sheriff's office will be treated and evaluated to determine whether they can be adopted. This also can take several weeks.

If they are too medically disabled to be adopted out, animal control will place the dogs with rescue organizations, the sheriff's office stated.

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