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Hernando Deputies Seize 27 Dogs

Police Lights | Florida | TB Reporter

The dogs, which were “in distress,” were taken to Hernando County Animal Services,  deputies said.

BROOKSVILLE – Twenty-seven dogs were taken from their owner Thursday (Dec. 7) after deputies found them “in distress,” according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies issued multiple citations to the dogs’ owner, Johnnie Thompson, 36. Deputies are also petitioning the court to have the dogs’ ownership transferred to Hernando County.

Deputies said they had received several complaints about multiple dogs being kept on property located at 10380 Preston Road, Brooksville. On Wednesday (Dec. 6) deputies along with animal enforcement officers arrived to conduct a follow up investigation into the complaints.

When they got there, deputies said they saw four dogs on chains that could be seen from the roadway. Deputies noted the dogs did not appear to have adequate shelter and were in violation of Hernando County rules about mistreatment and tethering. Investigators were unable to find any proof of vaccination or county licensing.

Deputies obtained an inspection warrant Thursday to enter the property and check on the well being of the dogs. Upon entering the property, deputies said they 27 dogs. Some dogs were being kept on heavy chains with inadequate, or no, shelter. Most of the dogs did not have access to water.

Deputies determined the dogs were in distress and a decision was made to seize all of the animals. The dogs were taken to Hernando County Animal Services.

During the investigation, Thompson arrived to claim ownership of the dogs. He told deputies all the dogs were being cared for.

For information about the Hernando sheriff, go to hernandosheriff.org.

Hernando Sheriff | Animal Cruelty | Dogs | Hernando Animal Control | Tampabay News

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