POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on Friday following the discovery of six dogs living in squalid and dangerous conditions within a Lakeland residence lacking power and ventilation.
The animals were suffering from extreme heat exposure and neglect, prompting an emergency seizure by authorities.
The incident unfolded when deputies responded to a residence on Colorado Ave, where they saw and heard multiple dogs inside, despite being unable to make contact with anyone.
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The home was without power, and no windows were open for air circulation. Inside, the temperature soared to a staggering 107°F.
Deputies reported that the dogs were visibly panting, and the interior of the home was heavily soiled with trash, feces, and urine, with the strong odors emanating from outside the property.
One bedroom was found to be impassable due to trash and items stacked to the ceiling, forcing deputies to navigate through debris and waste. Critically, no food or drinkable water was accessible to the distressed animals.
Due to the critical conditions, PCSO deputies conducted an emergency seizure of the dogs. Veterinary assessments revealed that the dogs’ body temperatures had reached as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, ammonia levels within the home registered a hazardous 25 parts per million (ppm), significantly above the standard 0 ppm for clean air.
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During the ongoing investigation, Alan Alderman, 29, and Thornton Arnold, 65, arrived at the property. The men claimed ownership of only two of the dogs, stating that three belonged to Alderman’s girlfriend, who is currently incarcerated, and that they were unaware of the sixth dog’s existence. Both men were subsequently arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail.
All six dogs were transported to Polk County Animal Control for immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
Alan Alderman and Thornton Arnold have each been charged with six counts of animal neglect, a first-degree misdemeanor.
“We don’t tolerate animal abuse in Polk County,” stated Sheriff Grady Judd. “These dogs suffered due to pure neglect, and now, their abusers are right where they belong.”
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