Deputies are investigating an animal neglect case after they were dispatched to Southern Comfort Mobile Home Park. They were initially dispatched to the call in reference to a report that a door was open and several dogs were running in and out of the residence.
Once on the scene, deputies found dogs running loose in the proximity of the residence. Deputies entered the home and then contacted Animal Control and the Humane Society.
Deputies report that there were 13 dogs, two cats, 80 rodents (mice, rats and gerbils), two rabbits, one gray squirrel, one gecko, and four iguanas inhabiting the residence. Deputies say at least 15 animals in the residence were being neglected.
The dogs and cats were taken by Animal Control and the remainder of the animals and lizards were taken by the Humane Society.
Deputies are in the process of locating the residents of the mobile home.
Animal neglect is first degree misdemeanor. The investigation continues. Case UpdatesDeputies arrested two suspects in connection with the animal neglect investigation that began yesterday, August 25, 2006. Deputies arrested Cynthia D. Bhyravabhotla and Michelle A. Lee at their residence after one of the suspects returned a deputy's phone call and arranged a meeting at the residence. Deputies took the suspects into custody without incident.
Deputies have charged the suspects with 13 counts of confinement/abandonment of animals, which is a first degree misdemeanor.
Deputies say the suspects told them that they were caring for the animals but might have taken in too many and things might have gotten out of hand.
Deputies were initially dispatched to the call in reference to a report that a door was open and several dogs were running in and out of the residence.
Once on the scene deputies found dogs running loose in the proximity of the residence. Deputies entered the residence and then contacted Animal Control and the Humane Society. Deputies report that there were thirteen dogs, two cats, eighty rodents (mice, rats and gerbils), two rabbits, one gray squirrel, one Gecko, and four Iguanas inhabiting the residence.
The dogs and cats were taken by Animal Control and the remainder of the animals and lizards were taken by the Humane Society. | Source: Tampa Bay's 10 - Aug 26, 2006 Update posted on Aug 31, 2006 - 2:40PM |
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