10 pit bulls neglected, signs of dog-fighting
Pahokee, FL (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jan 9, 2007
County: Palm Beach

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Clifton Brown

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

A 27-year-old resident was arrested on Feb 1 and charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty or allegedly not supplying his 10 pit bulls with enough food and water, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said.

Clifton Brown, who lived in a mobile home park at 300 West Sixth St., allegedly kept his dogs, who were dying of malnutrition, in cages beside his home, investigators said. Bones could be seen on their frail bodies, PBSO said.

They were taken into custody by Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. Signs of trauma on the dogs were consistent with dog fighting, according to the arrest report. Detective J.D. Scarso is investigating whether there will be further charges for dog fighting.

Brown confessed to not taking care for the dogs like he should have, Scarso said. Brown said he went out of town during the weeks before Jan. 9 and did not care for them properly.

The dogs were discovered by an county Animal Care and Control officer on patrol Jan. 9, Scarso said.

The dogs were then taken in by Animal Care and Control, according to an affidavit.

The examining veterinarian issued a report stating that all ten dogs were suffering from malnutrition.

According to the report, malnutrition in dogs causes organ damage and eventual failure, electrolyte imbalances, cell death, gastric ulcers, and in turn, suppresses the immune system.

Additionally, all ten dogs tested positive for heartworms, intestinal parasites and possible Lime disease. Signs of trauma on the dogs were discovered by the examination, consistent with dog fighting.

When interviewed by the sheriff's office, the man's sister said he was the dogs' only caretaker.

The animal deaths, the veterinary examination and the taped statements gave investigators enough probable cause to arrest the suspect on the charges of animal cruelty.

Case Updates

References

« FL State Animal Cruelty Map

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