5 Starving Dogs Rescued From Home After Anonymous Tip: Bradenton Police

BRADENTON, FL — A couple was arrested Friday night on multiple aggravated animal cruelty charges, the Bradenton Police Department said in a news release.

Earlier in the week, officers found several malnourished dogs that were “living in deplorable conditions” in the couple’s home in the 1800 block of 10th Avenue W., investigators said.

An anonymous caller reported seeing the dogs, which looked skinny and underfed, at the home of Adriana O’Hara and Timothy Miller.

When officers arrived to check on the animals, O’Hara refused to allow them to enter the home, the agency said.

On Oct. 14, Bradenton police and Manatee County Animal Welfare executed a search warrant at the home and seized five large-breed dogs, including a great Dane, a cane corso and three pit bulls, police said. Each dog was confined to a crate without proper access to food or water.

A veterinarian determined the dogs were suffering from clear signs of emaciation and chronic malnutrition, consistent with long-term neglect.

Two dogs had open sores, caused by inappropriate housing and bedding, according to the veterinarian.

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Three dogs were diagnosed with refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when severely malnourished animals are fed too quickly. It's suspected the couple attempted to feed the animals after officers requested to see the dogs, police said.

O'Hara, 30, and Miller, 33, were each arrested on five counts of aggravated animal cruelty, “for the prolonged deprivation of adequate food, water, and care necessary to sustain life and prevent suffering,” police said. The charges are third-degree felonies.

The dogs are now receiving lifesaving care and ongoing medical treatment.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to email Officer Anthony Cerniglia at anthony.cerniglia@bradentonpd.com.