Bradenton man wanted on felony animal cruelty charges

BRADENTON -- Bradenton police are searching for a man they say is responsible for abusing nine dogs.

Derris Sturdivant, 31, is wanted on two counts of second-degree felony animal cruelty, according to a news release.

The nine dogs were seized April 12-13 at a home in the 1100 block of Third Street West after a police raid in response to complaints of drug activity in the home.

The home, which did not have running water or electricity, was deemed uninhabitable by the city Code Enforcement Department, according to police reports. Manatee County Animal Services was called to the home to seize the dogs.

"One of the smaller dogs had injuries to his head, ear and tail and was tethered

to a tree by a heavy chain," Bradenton Lt. James Racky wrote in the release. "None of the dogs had food."

Animals services officers issued Sturdivant six citations for violations of animal cruelty, according to court records. Sturdivant was fined $1,800.

The dogs were taken to a certified veterinarian to be examined and two were found to be suffering from injuries consistent with not being treated.

Sturdivant d claimed ownership of all the dogs but has not cooperated with the investigation.

The dogs are now in custody of Manatee County Animal Services and will be examined, treated and made available for adoption, according to the release.

This is not the first time Sturdivant has been cited for animal cruelty by Animal Services, according to court records. In May 2015, he was issued one citation for animal cruelty and fined $300.

Anyone with any information about this case or Sturdivant's whereabouts can call Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 or officer Lixa Moyett at 941-932-9309 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-634-8477 or send a tip to manateecrimestoppers.com.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 11:51 PM with the headline "Bradenton man wanted on felony animal cruelty charges ."