VCSO Arrests 72-Year-Old Man For Animal Cruelty

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DeLand, FL - The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is reporting a sad case of severe animal cruelty. They arrested 72-year-old Ronald Winters for the deteriorated condition of his 13-year-old dog, Miria. 

View the arrest here. Warning from VCSO: this may break your heart and make you angry.

A Sheriff's deputy responded to an address in DeLand  last night (January 26) to provide an escort for someone removing her belongings and moving out of the house. The deputy was informed about a dog on the porch. He was told she would not bite and wouldn't move. The deputy removed the blankets and found the dog severely emaciated and soiled.  A bowl of dog food near her appeared untouched.

Volusia Animal Control Services was called. They determined her body condition to be a 1, which is the worst. The dog was taken to a veterinarian. Because of Miria's obvious suffering, the humane decison was made to put her to sleep.

A search of the property found two cats.  They were found to be in need of medical attention, although their conditions did not rise to the level of animal cruelty charges. Grey and JackJack will be up for adoption at New Hope Animal Shelter in DeLand.

Winters faces one charge of cruelty to animals. He remains in the Volusia County Jail with bond set at $500.

VCSO says it's posting the video publicly to ask you to please report cases of animal abuse and neglect before they get to this point. If you witness an animal suffering or have an animal that has needs you can no longer meet, please don't ignore it. There are people out there who can help. For assistance from Volusia County Animal Services please call 386-248-1790.

 

crime, animal cruelty, DeLand