- Florida, USA -
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office have arrested the operator of Golden Kennel, 34-year-old JIAN KARLOS ORTIZ MENDEZ (pictured below).
According to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, on Tuesday, March 2, just after 10:00 a.m. deputies alongside multiple other agencies executed an Inspection Warrant at Golden Kennel LLC, on 9203 Weatherly Road in Brooksville.
Animal Enforcement officer M. Rowe obtained the Inspection Warrant as part of an ongoing investigation into sick puppies being housed at, and sold from, the kennel.
During the investigation, officer Rowe received information that several puppies had recently been sold from the kennel and within days of being sold, some of the puppies died of Canine parvovirus.
As many of you know, Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal tract.
It can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months are the most at risk.
The Sheriff’s Office said that when officer Rowe responded to Golden Kennel to investigate, ORTIZ MENDEZ denied her full access to the puppies.
As officer Rowe was talking to ORTIZ MENDEZ in the office, she noticed a very sick puppy on the floor and questioned him about the condition of the furbaby.
ORTIZ MENDEZ said his veterinarian “was aware.”
Officer Rowe advised ORTIZ MENDEZ that all puppies and adult dogs on the property needed to be seen by the veterinarian and treated accordingly if infected with the virus.
When the Inspection Warrant was executed, officer Rowe discovered 11 dead puppies who had been callously and improperly disposed of in garbage cans.
Eight puppies were seized and sent to local veterinarians for treatment and each of them showed signs consistent with Parvo.
As reported by the Sheriff’s Office, all other dogs (approximately 138) were left on the property under the care of kennel staff.
Authorities at Hernando County Animal Services will be revoking ORTIZ MENDEZ’s kennel license.
The Sheriff’s Office advises that no dogs or puppies may be sold or removed from this location unless removed under the direct care of a licensed veterinarian.
ORTIZ MENDEZ was charged with 11 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and one misdemeanor count of Animal Neglect, stemming from a lack of water to kenneled dogs.
He was released the following day on a $23,000 bond.
Lt. Scott Lamia with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office told FOX10: “It’s very alarming because animals can’t ask for help, they rely on law enforcement or animal lovers to help them. It’s kinda same as children, they can’t speak.”
Very well said Lt. Lamia!!!
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