Florida: Lamar Deon Blue, 35, starved his dogs inside crate in his carport

FLORIDA -- A Boynton Beach man is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered an emaciated dog and puppies living in a filthy, soiled dog crate.

An anonymous complaint led investigators to the home of 35-year-old Lamar Deon Blue.

Police found four 4-to-5-week-old puppies held inside a dirty crate in a carport laden with trash and the strong smell of urine and feces, the arrest report said.

Flies surrounded the crate and no food or water was present, according to authorities.

As officers attempted to make contact with Blue, the mother dog appeared onto the property with her ribs and spine bones protruding, the report said.

The dog and puppies were removed from the home and were taken to Animal Care and Control for evaluation and treatment.

Officers described the conditions outside of the home as "deplorable" with trash and debris throughout the yard. Records indicated that the bank had foreclosed on the home and water service had been disconnected in April of 2015.

Police discovered that someone has "straight-piped" water into the home to avoid meter and usage detection, the report said.

Blue had been previously cited for similar violations, according to the report.

An ACC veterinarian determined that the adult female dog was suffering from severe starvation and an "obvious loss of muscle mass."

Blue was arrested Sunday and has been charged with one count of cruelty to animals and five counts of unlawful confinement of animals and animal abandonment.

(WPBF - Jan 12, 2016)