Seven pit bulls found amidst feces, without food

TAMPA — A Ruskin man was arrested Thursday, charged with cruelty toward his seven pit bulls.

Gerardo Mendez’s dogs were found in his yard at 301 27th St. SE, surrounded by feces and without any access to water or food, according to a Hillsborough Sheriff’s deputy.

One male dog had a chain worn into its neck, where the deputy observed what he described as an infected wound.

Mendez, 37, told officers the dogs were his, and said the wounded dog had outgrown the chain around his neck. The dogs were taken into custody of Animal Services.

The owner is charged with one count of felony animal cruelty and seven counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. He was being held Thursday at Orient Road Jail with bail set at $5,500.

- Rebecca Catalanello, Times staff writer