Two Bradenton men face animal cruelty charges after dog found hanging from fence by collar

FLORIDA -- Two men are facing charges after police said one of their dogs was found hanging from its collar from the top of a fence and three more dogs were found living in "deplorable conditions," according to the Bradenton Police Department.

Rick Arenas-Arroyo, 20, and Pedro Arenas-Guadalupe, 40, were arrested at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday after detectives obtained warrants charging them each with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

Both men appeared before Circuit Judge Deno Economou for a first appearance hearing with the aide of a Spanish translator.

Economou ordered that they be held on bonds totaling $20,000 each.

As a condition of their release, he also ordered that neither have any contact with animals, especially dogs.

 

On Dec. 11, Bradenton police officers found a dog hanging from the top of a fence, by its collar, when they were responding to complaint they received about a dog in distress. Officers were able to get the dog off of the fence. 

An investigation found that the owner of the dog lived in the 900 block of 19th Ave West, according to a news release. Detectives then found three more dogs at the home living in "deplorable conditions" in their outside dog enclosures.

"The first enclosure had no food or water, broken glass on the ground, dog feces all over, a strong smell of urine and both dogs were infested with fleas and full of dirt," detective Lt. James Racky wrote in the release. "The second outside dog enclosure contained two smaller dogs. This enclosure had no food, dirty water, broken glass on the ground and dried feces and urine throughout."

Arenas-Arroyo and Arenas-Guadalupe admitted never getting medical treatment for their dogs and said they didn't have time for them, police said.

All four dogs were seized by police as evidence and placed in the custody of the Bradenton Police Department. The dogs were taken to the Humane Society of Manatee County for cruelty and health evaluations, and a veterinarian found they did show signs of neglect.

 

One of the dogs, a black female pit bull, had to euthanized, according to Racky.

The other three dogs -- two female Chihuahua mixes and a blue pit bull mix -- are now up for adoption at Humane Society, 2515 14th St. W., Bradenton, according to police. For more information, call the Humane Society at 941-747-8808.

Anyone having more information about this case can call Bradenton police Officer Lixa Moyett at 9410932-9309 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, call Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

(bradenton.com - Dec 29, 2015)