Dog severely neglected, no vet care Port Charlotte, FL (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Aug 1, 2006 County: Charlotte Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Thomas A. Fodness

Case ID: 9951 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

A man who allegedly refused to get medical treatment for his dog after it was shot by a pellet gun was charged with animal cruelty and confinement or abandonment of animals on Nov 2, the Charlotte County Sheriff�s Office reported.

Thomas A. Fodness, 57, 1138 Chalmer Terrace, Port Charlotte, was under investigation by Animal Control after his son contacted the agency to report that Fodness would not take his 13-year-old Catahoula, Lola, to a veterinarian two days after it had been shot. The son said Fodness had turned down his offer to take the dog for him.

"He was very distressed that his father wouldn't let him bring the animal in for care," Animal Control Lieutenant Brian Jones said.

On Aug. 1, Animal Control Officer Reannon Juertensen went to Fodness' house. According to Jones, Juertensen said in her report that she found Lola under a bed. Lola was unable to walk. She had an irregular heartbeat, white gums and a severe flea infestation. Juertensen did not see any gunshot wounds.

"When I say infested with fleas, I mean infested," Jones said. "I have a picture of the dog that looks like someone sprinkled salt on it."

According to the report, Fodness told Juertensen that Lola had been in that condition for a day or two. He knew the dog was dying, but did not want her to see a veterinarian.

"He was adamant," Jones said. "The owner wanted her to die at his house."

Animal Control confiscated the dog that day and took her to a veterinarian. The veterinarian determined that Lola had anemia due to the fleas, was underweight and had a low body temperature. She recommended euthanasia. When Fodness was contacted for permission to put the dog down, he refused.

"He stated that he wanted to take the dog home," Jones said, "Knowing the violent death that she'd have."

Animal Control officers told Fodness Lola would not be released to him, and he eventually agreed to have her euthanized. Lola's carcass was released to him for burial at his residence.

In the course of their investigation, Jones said Animal Control officers learned that Fodness had another dog with anemia that had died.

"Mr. Fodness evidently has a history of letting his dogs die of neglect," Jones said.

If convicted, Fodness could face up to five years in prison on the cruelty to animals charge.

Fodness made a $5,000 bond on Nov 2.

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