The public utilities director for the city of Auburndale is facing charges after he neglected his two dogs, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.
Bradford Thomas, 37, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of animal cruelty and aggravated animal cruelty.
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According to a news release, the investigation began when the Auburndale Police Department alerted the sheriff’s office about a dog in distress, reportedly starving and in poor condition.
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A detective responded to Thomas’s residence on Diamond Ridge Drive. Upon arrival, the detective found Thomas and his two dogs, a female Great Dane named Stella and a female Terrier mix named Bella, the sheriff’s office said.
Stella, approximately 8.5 years old, was found to be severely emaciated, covered in fleas, and suffering from severe pododermatitis, commonly known as bumblefoot. The detective noted that she appeared to be in significant pain and had not received veterinary care since 2020. Bella, estimated to be between 18 and 20 years old, was also in poor condition, suffering from severe flea dermatitis and hair loss, deputies said.
During a veterinary exam, it was discovered that Stella weighed half her ideal weight. Both dogs were handed over to the sheriff’s office and taken to the animal control facility for urgent treatment.
“The dogs and their former owner will be getting the attention they need and deserve. For Bradford Thomas, this behavior is absolutely unacceptable, said Sheriff Grady Judd. ”It is incomprehensible that someone in his capacity as a senior manager in a reputable and responsible local government would do something like this—starving and causing such pain for an innocent animal. We will do everything we can to hold him criminally responsible. We will also do everything we can to get these dogs healthy and thriving. They are off to a good start—we pray it’s not too late and they respond to medical treatment, nourishment, and love.”
Since beginning treatment, Stella has already gained nearly seven pounds through proper feeding and hydration, showing signs of improvement, the sheriff’s office said.