Manatee deputies rescue 12 dogs from ‘junk-ridden’ Bradenton home after tip from PETA
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office rescued 12 dogs from a “filthy and junk-ridden home” Friday morning as part of an investigation into possible animal cruelty.
Acting on an email tip the agency received from PETA on Thursday, deputies removed the dogs from the residence in the 3800 block of Second Drive NE., which contained a strong odor. According to a release, the dogs had access to food and water, but law enforcement expressed concern about their respiratory health.
The tipster said the animals were being kept in a “filthy and junk-ridden home, covered in feces, urine and insect infestation.” Each dog will be evaluated by a local veterinarian.
“They’ve got to continue to investigate. We’ll hear from the veterinarian on the physicals of the dogs. They didn’t seem neglected in terms of food, but air quality was a concern,” said Randy Warren, the sheriff’s office’s public information officer.
The Manatee County Hazmat team tested air quality around 11:20 a.m. Friday morning, and deputies returned to the home in the afternoon to collect more evidence. Code Enforcement officials gave the homeowner a time frame to clean the home.
An investigation is ongoing, and animal cruelty charges may be forthcoming.
This story was originally published December 20, 2019 at 4:53 PM.
