Skinny Cows Led To Animal Cruelty Arrest: Deputies

SARASOTA, FL — A 53-year-old Sarasota man faces criminal charges after deputies received a tip about two cows “that appeared to be starving.” An investigation into the complaint led to the discovery of four cows, two horses, a miniature horse and a donkey that were all underweight, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation into the condition of Ramon Gonzalez’s livestock began in June after a deputy went to the man’s property in the 300 block of Sinclair Drive to look into the complaint. The deputy noted the animals appeared to be “severely underweight,” an arrest report said. Two round bales of hay were observed on the property, but the deputy noted the animals weren’t eating it.

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“The hay appeared to be old and looked moldy and of poor quality,” the arrest report said.

A veterinarian was called out to the scene and told the deputy, “This is nothing but lack of groceries, they just need food,” the report said.

When questioned, authorities say Gonzalez advised he had been suffering from financial difficulties and was living at the location temporarily until he could find more suitable property to house his animals. Based on the “observations and investigation,” however, Gonzalez was charged with felony animal cruelty and misdemeanor counts of failure to act and failure to provide sustenance, the arrest report said.

Gonzalez was arrested on July 6 and was later released on $2,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office said Gonzalez’s animals were confiscated on June 17 and have since been transferred out for rehabilitation.

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Photos courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office