11 Dead Puppies Found In Florida Kennel's Garbage Bins; Operator Arrested

A kennel operator in Florida has been arrested after 11 dead puppies were found in the garbage bins on the property, police said.

The kennel operator, identified as 34-year-old Jian Karlos Ortiz Mendez, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count of animal neglect, stemming from lack of water to the kenneled dogs, a news release from Hernando County Sheriff's Office said.

The deputies and animal enforcement officers raided Golden Kennel LLC in Brooksville after getting reports about sick puppies being housed and sold at the kennel's premises.

Investigation revealed that several puppies had recently been sold from the kennel. Within days of being sold, some of them died of canine parvovirus. M. Rowe, an animal enforcement officer, obtained a warrant for inspection based on the complaint.

Mendez reportedly refused Rowe to have full access to all the puppies during the inspection. Rowe observed a very sick puppy on the floor during the search and questioned him about the condition of the puppy. Mendez reportedly told her that his veterinarian "was aware."

The search at the property also led to the shocking discovery of 11 dead puppies improperly disposed of in the garbage cans on the property. The officers seized eight puppies, all with the signs of canine parvovirus. They were sent to local veterinarians for treatment. Meanwhile, the remaining 138 dogs were left at the kennel under the care of the kennel staff.

According to a report from the New York Post, the authorities already made an announcement saying that the license of the kennel would be revoked. As for Mendez, his bond has been set at $23,000.

Canine parvovirus, more commonly known as "parvo," is a highly contagious virus that spreads by direct dog-to-dog contact or contact with contaminated stool, environments or people. Unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than 4 months are highly susceptible to the infection, American Veterinary Medical Association warned.

The virus affects the gastrointestinal tracts of the dogs and is easily transmitted from one host to another. The virus can spread from kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.