Mistreated Dog Discovered During Cocaine Bust in Bradenton

The animal was badly injured and had to be euthanized, police said; the suspect was charged with animal cruelty as well as possessing rock cocaine.

When investigators executed a search warrant at a Bradenton home Wednesday, they found one thing they were looking for — a man allegedly in possession of rock cocaine — and one thing they didn't: An injured dog that had to be euthanized. Members of the Bradenton Police Department's Narcotics Unit were at the residence in the 1000 block of 21st Avenue West around 2 p.m. Wednesday due to alleged "illegal narcotic transactions occurring," a spokesperson said. But during their investigation, they also discovered a dog that was severely injured and "in urgent need of medical attention," according to Capt. Warren T. Merriman III, police spokesperson. Manatee County Animal Services arrived to take the canine to an animal hospital, where it …

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LISA VALKENAAR

7:52 am on Sunday, April 14, 2013

They don't just quit due because they are getting too old.   more ›

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Animal Cruelty Cases: What's the Right Punishment?

Recent reports about kittens in a freezer and a dog who took an ax to the face have the Tampa Bay area buzzing about animal cruelty laws. What's your take?

Two high profile incidents of animal abuse have sparked a strong reaction from Patch readers and community members about what should happen to those found guilty of animal cruelty. In St. Petersburg, a man was accused of wrapping four kittens in sandwich bags and sticking them in his freezer. Three of the kittens are recovering in Largo, while the fourth didn't survive. And in Bradenton, a dog was found last month walking through a neighborhood after taking an ax or machete to the head and face. Local animal services officials called it the worst case of animal cruelty they had seen out of "hundreds of cases a year." The pit bull mix, named Axel, is doing well, and several rewards have been offered to help find his attacker, including $10,…

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'Simpsons' Show Co-Creator Gives $10,000 to Reward in Cruelty Case

The case of the dog struck abused with an ax or machete has gained national attention. Bradenton's animal lovers have stepped up to pay for his ongoing medical care.

Sam Simon, the Emmy-winning television writer who helped create the "The Simpsons," has contributed $10,000 to the reward for the capture and conviction of the person who split a dog's head open and then left him to wander the streets with his injuries. Simon, who is a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, added to the reward already offered by radio host Bubba The Love Sponge, Gary Kompothecras of 1-800-Ask-Gary, Kids Serve and No Kill Manatee. The total reward offered for the arrest and conviction of the person who abused Axel now stands at $13,600. Simon found out about the case through Bubba the Love Sponge,  who recently talked about the case on his show, based out of Tampa. Sue Kolze, who is on the Board of Director'…

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Severely Abused Dog Doing Well in Recovery

The dog is wagging his tail and giving kisses. He appears happy despite damage to his sinus cavity and hundreds of stitches to his head.

The dog who survived an attack by a person wielding an ax or machete is doing well and is ready to go to a foster home where he can receive attention and love. Axel, a one- to two-year-old pit bull mix is a sweet and loving dog who loves attention and will give kisses despite the trauma to his head and nose. Luke Bergland, the veterinarian who has been treating Axel, said that the dog's survival is nothing short of a miracle. He said he was stunned when Steve Bell, an animal services officer, walked the dog into Beach Veterinary Clinic with the gaping head wound. As Bergland examined the dog on Monday, he realized that the dog must have received his injuries over the weekend and that he had been walking around with the severe wound for a …

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Animal Network and No Kill Manatee County Seek Donations in Cruelty Case

WARNING: Graphic Photos attached depicting the injuries the animal received after he was attacked with an ax or machete.

Animal Network and No Kill Manatee County are raising money to save a year-old dog that was attacked in one of the county's most severe cases of animal cruelty. To find out more you can go to Axel's Angel's Facebook Page. To make a donation go to Manatee County Animal Service's and look for the No Kill logo in the right hand column. You'll see a donate button below the logo, click on the button and it will bring you directly to Animal Network's donation site.

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Adoptable Pet Of The Week

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Misty Will Play With You

He's just one of the pets up for adoption at the county's downtown center.

This week's adoptable dog is Misty, a Lhasa Apso mix. Misty is a 1-year--old neutered male who is loving, playful and full of energy. He loves to chase a ball and bring it back. And he loves human companionship. Misty has been with Manatee County Animal Services since August 10, when he was confiscated in an animal cruelty case. You can visit Misty at the county's downtown adoption center today. Adoptions, which include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health check, and microchip, are $80 for dogs, plus a $10 license fee for those in Manatee County, and $60 for cats, plus the license fee. Some animals who have been at the shelter too long are available for the $10 license fee. The downtown adoption center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday …

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