Name: Illegal breeders charged with 12 counts of felony animal cruelty
Uploaded: 2026-01-03T05:30:45.947Z
Duration: 2 min 49 s
Description: Warning: Some details may be disturbing. Largo Police Department (LPD) said it has arrested two people in connection with the abandonment of 12 puppies in a plastic bin in Largo park last month.

Warning: Some details may be disturbing. Largo Police Department (LPD) said it has arrested two people in connection with the abandonment of 12 puppies in a plastic bin in Largo park last month.

Largo

Authorities in Pinellas County, Florida, have arrested two suspects in connection with the abandonment and abuse of several dogs, including nine puppies and two adult dogs found severely ill with Parvo in a plastic bin at Taylor Park. One additional puppy, Frosty, died from severe injuries after being brought to a local animal hospital. Both suspects now face 12 felony counts of animal cruelty.

The arrests are being hailed as a significant victory by animal rescue advocates, who emphasize the importance of accountability and strict penalties for animal abusers. The case has also brought attention to Dexter's Law, which established a statewide database of convicted animal abusers, though some rescue groups have criticized the registry for lacking detailed information. The rescued dogs are expected to recover and will be available for adoption.

Illegal breeders charged with 12 counts of felony animal cruelty

I'm Michael Poluska in Pinellas County. Nine puppies and two mamas are lucky to be alive. Rescued December 19th after getting left in a plastic bin at Taylor Park in Largo, all severely sick with Parvo, but now expected to recover with a tragic update to a case we've been following as our Mary O'Connell first reported a 10th Parvo puppy that came into the Skyway Animal Hospital. Frosty died a few days ago, suffering severe injuries. His back leg snapped in half. A dislocated jaw and damage to internal organs and then he just took his last breath and that was it. And he passed away in my arms. The new year bringing a break in the weeks long search for whoever was responsible. We got an arrest for the suspects that dumped the dogs in Taylor Park and caused the physical abuse for Frosty dumped him as well. And then we also have four more dogs that were surrendered on scene when they were taken to the city. Largo Tampa Bay 28. Two people are now in custody, each facing 12 felony counts of animal cruelty charges. This is a huge victory for the animal rescue community and I think if we hold them to the highest, you know, fines or whatever we could do to get them punished for what they've done, it's going to be a huge victory for the animal rescue community because they need to be held accountable for what they've been doing. Dexter's law aims to do just that. Passed this year after a dog adopted in Pinellas County was brutally killed. It's the first of its kind database that will list the names of people convicted of animal abuse and we don't have to rely on our gut feeling that this is a good home. Brenda Richter is with SPCA Florida. Not only do we just see it in Polk County, it can be seen statewide, so no matter if the people come from Polk County or another county to adopt, we could run that name through the registry and see if they're on it. Or not, they did a list. I'm not sure what they were thinking, but that's not what it was supposed to be, but the database now drawing criticism from some rescue groups. You can search names or pull up the entire list on a spreadsheet, but there are no photos, birthdays, locations, or any context whatsoever about who the people are or what crimes were committed. Now on the mend, these full bred Shiba Inus will go up for adoption. Advocates reaching out to the state to do more than just list names and hopefully stop repeat animal abusers from ever adopting again. In Pinellas County, Michael Poluska, Tampa Bay 28.

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