LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Authorities discovered three severely underweight dogs wandering into a neighbor’s garage, prompting an investigation that revealed signs of prolonged neglect.
Christopher Monteleone, 45, faces animal cruelty, according to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC). The PBCACC responded to a call on January 18, reporting three emaciated dogs — Tamtam, Betsy, and Pepper —who had wandered onto a nearby property in Loxahatchee. An animal control officer observed that all three dogs had visible ribs and hips, prompting further examination.
Monteleone told PBCACC officers he kept the dogs lean for hunting and that he had recently returned from a trip, according to the probable cause affidavit. He claimed a family friend was supposed to be caring for the animals and suggested one dog was underweight due to being “picked on” by the others. However, none of the dogs had received veterinary care or been vaccinated for rabies, as required by law.
The following day, PBCACC officers visited Monteleone’s property on 60th Street N. with deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to assess the animals and found additional livestock — including goats, chickens, pigs, and a pony — all of which appeared healthy. The dogs, housed in a makeshift kennel, were removed and examined by a veterinarian who found them dehydrated, infested with hookworms, and severely malnourished, according to the report.
See also: Rollover crash claims life of 23-year-old woman in Port St. Lucie
The veterinary evaluation stated Tamtam and Betsy as emaciated with no palpable body fat and high parasite loads. Pepper, the oldest of the three, was also underweight and missing several teeth. The dogs reportedly had a “ferocious appetite” upon intake.
When questioned at his property, Monteleone acknowledged never bringing the animals to a veterinarian and appeared unaware that his chosen dog food may not meet their nutritional needs.
Following an investigation by the PBCACC, probable cause was established to arrest Monteleone on June 21 for animal cruelty.
Find more ways to stay up to date with your latest local news. Sign up for our newsletter to get the day’s top headlines delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and can’t miss video.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
