Local officials said a Florida vet was arrested this week after 11 dead puppies were discovered inside a trash can on the property.
Hernando County Sheriff’s deputation and animal enforcement officers raided Golden Kennel LLC on Weatherly Road in Brooksville on Tuesday as part of an investigation into – and sold – sick puppies. Officials said.
During an investigation, animal enforcement officer M. Rowe had received information that several of the kennel puppies had died of highly contagious canine parvovirus within days of being sold, according to police.
When Rowe showed up, operator Gian Carlos Ortiz Mendez allegedly refused to allow full access to the puppies.
As the officer spoke to Ortiz Mendez in the office, he saw a very sick puppy on the floor and asked the operator about his condition. He told authorities that his veterinarian was “aware,” according to officials.
Police said that in the kennel, Rowe also improperly disposed of 11 dead puppies into the trash can.
Police said eight puppies – all with paravirus symptoms – were seized from the property and brought to local veterinarians for treatment.
The remaining dogs on the property – about 138 – were left under the care of kennel employees.
Ortiz Mendez, 34, was arrested and charged with 11 counts of felony animal cruelty and a misdemeanor count of animal abuse that stemmed from a lack of water for dogs with kennels, the sheriff’s office said.
His bond was set at $ 23,000.
According to officials, Ortiz Mendez’s kennel license will also be revoked by Hernando County Animal Services.
Officials said dogs or puppies are not allowed to be sold or removed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
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