‘It was only a matter of time.’ Bradenton man charged with animal cruelty

A 39-year-old Bradenton man was arrested Wednesday in Sarasota on aggravated animal cruelty charges.

Deputies say Brian “Shaggy” Madden knew “it was only a matter of time before someone called about his dog’s condition.”

The dog was in an extreme state of suffering, according to a deputy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Unit.

The 3-year-old English Bulldog was “void of fur over its entire body, the dog was filthy dirty, and smelled of a yeast-type infection,” according to the arrest report. “The dog’s skin was red and inflamed with multiple areas actively bleeding and oozing pus.”

The dog was emaciated and had an infection in both eyes.

Deputies say Madden claimed the reason for his dog’s condition was that he’s unable to afford veterinarian care.

Deputies questioned Madden about not being able to save money over the course of more than a year to get the dog treated. Madden acknowledged his failure to do so, according to the report and also admitted that he could have given the dog up at any time to get him the care he needed.

Deputies seized the dog and took him to an animal rescue. They took Madden to the Sarasota County jail and charged him with felony animal cruelty.

Though Madden said he had no money to care for the dog, he posted a $1,500 bond and was released the same day pending a future court date.