Theresa Scottwingate, 48, and James Dean Davis III, 45, were arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies on Monday for animal cruelty after three dogs were found under their home located on the 3400 block of E. Shadowlawn Ave. in Tampa. Two of the dogs were dead; the third dog was emaciated and in poor health.
Scottwingate and Davis have been charged with animal cruelty, unlawful confinement of an animal, and two counts of unlawful disposal of a dead animal.
Late last week an anonymous tip to authorities alerted Hillsborough County Animal Services about an emaciated dog. An investigation found two dead dogs who had been left under the home for quite awhile. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the third dog, a three-year-old pit bull and Labrador retriever mix was blind, undernourished, and infested with fleas.
The couple claimed they had no money for dog food and had been feeding the dog scraps.
The surviving dog is being treated and is recuperating at at Hillsborough County Animal Services.
Both Scottwingate and Davis were taken to the Hillsborough County Jail. Scottwingate was released after posting a $3,000 bond. Davis remains in jail.
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