Man Charged with Animal Cruelty
www.bradenton.com
February 7, 2007, BRADENTON, FLORIDA - Two abused and neglected pit bull puppies were found chained to a tree - one, extremely malnourished, with its ribs showing; the other, only a carcass.
The owner of the property, 35-year-old Corey Lenard Gibbs, was arrested Monday afternoon and faces two counts of animal cruelty, according to a Bradenton Police Department arrest report.
Manatee County Animal Control authorities made the find Thursday afternoon outside a home in the 1700 block of 10th Street West.
Animal Control authorities responded to the residence after receiving an anonymous call about a malnourished puppy. Officer Joyce Bentley found a brindle and white pit bull puppy, 5 to 6 months old, which she noted was, "very malnutritioned and chained up," the report said.
She also said the puppy was weak and its ribs "were very noticeable."
Bentley then found another chain and collar tied to the tree. When she pulled the chain, she discovered only the carcass of another dog, attached to the collar. Bentley believed the carcass was that of a pit bull puppy, approximately 6 months old, the report stated.
Bentley notified the Bradenton Police Department, who on Monday accompanied her to the home.This time, they found the remaining puppy without food and water, surrounded by debris and furniture.
Gibbs was arrested and faces two counts of animal cruelty. He was released Tuesday from the Manatee County jail on $2,000 bond. His next scheduled court date is on March 3, according to the report.
The surviving pit bull was taken to the county veterinarian, who found the puppies were "abused and neglected."
In September 2006, Clarence Criswell, 36, was arrested on a animal cruelty charge after animal control authorities found Gracie, a short-haired female Lab mix, who was "so thin that every bone in its body could be seen."
Gracie had been living in a crate for three months and Crisw
ell told authorities he and his wife, Claudia, were too tired or busy to take care of the dog.
One count of animal cruelty carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail. Prosectors are seeking a 60-day sentence for Criswell when he stands trial in April.
