Winter Haven Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 51-year-old Winter Haven man has been charged with felony cruelty to an animal after sheriff's deputies discovered a dead dog on his property and four flea-infested dogs that appeared malnourished, including a female whose chain had to be surgically removed from its neck because its skin had grown over it.

Fernandez Gunter of Winter Haven was arrested Wednesday following an anonymous tip in December that led to a visit from Animal Control staff and the Polk County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Crimes Unit.

"Of the three live puppies brought to Animal Control, one had to be euthanized," the sheriff's office said. "The remaining two have been adopted out. The adult dog will be available for adoption after it fully recovers."

The sheriff's office said animal officials posted a notice for the resident to call Animal Control but no one from the home responded.

"Continued follow-up led to an agricultural crimes detective locating the injured adult female dog that had an embedded collar, three live puppies and a dead puppy," the sheriff's office said.

Officials said there was no food or water available for the dogs. They were surrendered to animal control and taken to the animal shelter.

"It makes no sense whatsoever to have pets if you're just going to leave them outside and totally neglect them," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd explained. "Animals deserve our love and we have a responsibility to care for them properly."

He added that the two puppies went to good homes. "Hopefully the third will be able to be adopted soon." Judd said.

The sheriff's office said Gunter had an extensive criminal history that includes 10 felonies and nine misdemeanors.

"Detectives determined that Gunter failed to act and provide necessary care by seeking treatment for the adult dog's injury and infection, which resulted in excessive and repeated pain and suffering," according to the sheriff's office.