Case Details

Pet store neglect
Tampa, FL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Apr 20, 2007
County: Hillsborough
Local Map: available
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged:
» Sean Anthony
» Phillip Arenas

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 11333
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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A Boston Terrier puppy is barely hanging on. She's sick and the men who sold her are now in jail. The owners of A Puppy Store on Armenia Avenue in Tampa are charged with animal cruelty.

Hillsborough County Animal Services says a woman bought the puppy - named Sadie - just over a week ago. But within days, Sadie got sick.

The owner took the puppy to a vet and was told she'd need expensive medical care. The woman took the dog back to The Puppy Store and says the owners assured her they'd get medical treatment for the puppy.

But, Animal Services says they never did.

"The puppy was laying in the cage, lethargic, dehydrated. At that point, I took the puppy to an emergency vet," said Corporal Angela Snyder with Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Sean Anthony and Phillip Arenas have owned The Puppy Store for three years. Animal Services say they've had other complaints by customers ranging from sick puppies to expired health certificates.

But Anthony and Arenas tell us they have a clean record and didn't know the puppy was sick. "What's wrong with it? I wish I knew. If I had known, this puppy would have gone to the vet. Our puppies are beautiful. We have an excellent track record. Everyone knows that. We've sold over 700 puppies without a problem," said Sean Anthony.

The building's landlord says she never saw a problem inside the store.

"They're very cautious. I think this is a trumped up ordeal. I can't believe this, that they're going to take them to jail over this puppy. They're not even given a chance to show you what they do," said Vicki Kennison.

Animal services checked the other puppies but say they all looked ok. As for the terrier, vets still don't know if she'll survive.

"With a lot of intensive care, could potentially do okay, but we're not really sure at this point," said Dr. Danielle Yuhas with Florida Veterinary Specialists.

Case Updates

The Puppy Store on North Armenia in Tampa is open for business today just a day after the store's owners were arrested on charges of felony animal cruelty.

Sean Anthony, Co-owner, The Puppy Store
�To be honest with you, we're kinda shocked. For us to be arrested is, in my opinion, ridiculous �

Sean Anthony and Phil Arenas say puppies are their life. They opened this store three years ago and say they have yet to take a day off. But Hillsborough County Animal Services say the two neglected to seek veterinary care for a sick puppy.

Sgt. Pam Perry, Hillsborough Co. Animal Services
�It was quite obvious even to a layperson that this puppy was suffering. It was extremely dehydrated, very lethargic�

Samantha Sisson, Bought & Returned Puppy
�They didn't even express concerns and take her to the vet so, obviously, right there that lets you know they didn't care about the puppies well being�

Anthony and Arenas say that's simply not true. They claim Sisson is a repeat customer who returned the puppy because it wasn't eating and was immediately refunded her money. The men say the pup was thin, but eating and drinking normally and even playful.

Sean Anthony, Co-owner, The Puppy Store
�The puppy was excited to see us, jumping around... (She) wasn't showing any signs of being lethargic or anything like that. The puppy was slim, but we said hey.. if she's eating well� she's going to gain (weight) �

The pup's care is now in the hands of Animal Services who say she's struggling to survive. This will also be a struggle for the owners of the puppy store as they fight to clear their names and keep their business.

Sean Anthony, Co-owner, The Puppy Store
�All we can do is stand here because this is our home. Where we live that's our second home. This is our first home and we will be here as long as we possibly can �

According to Hillsborough County Animal Services, they're considering revoking The Puppy Store's permit. The store's owners also face up to a $10,000 fine and 5 years in prison.
Source: Tampa Bay's 10 - April 28, 2007
Update posted on Apr 28, 2007 - 3:38PM 

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References

MyFox Tampa - April 27, 2007

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