Two mistreated retrievers find homes, others available

TAMPA — Two dogs from a pack of golden retrievers seized Monday have been adopted, said Hillsborough County Animal Services spokeswoman Marti Ryan.

The 17 purebreds were found in filthy conditions at the house of 65-year-old Tim Sexton, of 1307 Eckles Drive, Ryan said.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has placed the youngest dogs, 11 eight-week-old puppies, in foster care to recover from worms and malnourishment. Once the puppies are healthy enough to be sterilized, the Society will put them up for adoption, Ryan said.

A four-year-old adult female is also up for general adoption at the Animal Services shelter. A fourth adult female is going to a local animal rescue group, Astorling Sanctuary in Brooksville.

Sexton refused to surrender the oldest dogs, a female and male, but Ryan said he has little chance of keeping them.

Sexton was being held in the Orient Road jail Tuesday, with bail set at $2,000, charged with 17 counts of improper confinement of animals.

Anyone interested in adopting the four-year-old female should fill out the form at hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices and bring it to the shelter at 440 Falkenberg Road, Ryan said. To inquire about the puppies, call the Humane Society at (813) 876-7138. Astorling Sanctuary can be reached at (352) 754-8975.

Michael Mohammed, Times staff writer