'Let's Stop These Sorry Excuses For Human Beings,' Pleads Animal Lover

Although Seminole Heights residents and businesses go out of their way to accommodate man's best friend, apparently not everyone in the community is a pet lover.

On Monday, Seminole Heights Patch reader Morgan Bentley made a gruesome discovery. 

"I was notified by the garbage man that there was a dead dog in the alley behind my house," reported Bentley on the Seminole Heights Patch Boards. "Be on the look out for the scumbags that left a Rottweiler strangled for dead with a grocery bag tied around his head behind my house in Seminole Heights in the Powhatan and Central alley."

Bentley said the garbage collector told him this isn't the first such discovery he's made in Seminole Heights.

Bentley promptly notified Tampa Police but was told they could do nothing about the atrocities so he's pleading with the community to be on the lookout for the dog killers. 

"Let's stop these sorry excuses for human beings," he said.

Residents who suspect a pet is being abused, neglected or worse are urged to contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at 813-744-5660. Or, to report urgent animal crimes in progress, which may be taking place after-hours, dial 9-1-1. Animal cruelty or neglect also may be reported by emailing info@hillsboroughcounty.org.

Citizen tips may remain anonymous, but a valid address will be vital for officers responding in the field. Additionally, investigators would appreciate a point of contact for any questions that may help solve a case or save a life.

Tips and information are followed up by trained investigators who determine the course of action to correct a problem and/or seek accountability. Civil citations and fines may be issued, or criminal charges may be filed for prosecution by the State Attorney's Office. Persons convicted of animal cruelty face a fine of $5,000 to $10,000, up to five years in jail, or both.

Animal Services investigators note that animal abuse is also a public safety issue because humans who abuse animals are also capable of hurting their fellow man. In fact, 85 percent of those convicted of domestic abuse have admitted to animal cruelty.

The problem is especially prevalent in Hillsborough County. Florida leads the country in animal abuse cases, and Hillsborough County leads the state, according to the advocacy group Pet-Abuse.com.

Common Signs Of Animal Abuse Or Neglect

• Abandonment of an animal
• Clearly visible wounds, protruding bones, skin issues
• Lack of veterinary medical care
• Lack of clean water, wholesome food and proper shelter from the elements.