A man has been apprehended and charged with animal cruelty following the discovery of three severely undernourished dogs in his possession. 

Zachary Michael Crain, 26, was reportedly charged with three counts of felony animal cruelty after Deltona’s animal control officers and sheriff’s deputies discovered that his three dogs were infrequently fed and consistently left outdoors in extreme heat without water. 

As part of the investigation, authorities examined weather records indicating that the dogs were left outside when temperatures in Deltona, in the US state of Florida, soared to a blistering 37 degrees Celsius, with heat indices reaching 42 degrees Celsius. 

Additionally, Crain now faces three misdemeanour counts of unlawful confinement/abandonment of animals without sufficient food or water. 

Upon posting a USD 9,000 (GBP 7,050) bail, Crain was released from the Volusia County Branch Jail. 

The police said that the three dogs, Dolly, Buttercup, and Joker, have been taken into the care of Animal Control where they are undergoing the necessary evaluation and treatment. 

Investigators have revealed that animal control officers had previous encounters with the dogs due to them having escaped in the past.

Dolly and Buttercup were found roaming from their Abbot Avenue home after having escaped from their pens on Tuesday, 15th August.

Upon this sighting, the officers noted the dogs’ malnourished state. 

Volusia Sheriff’s spokesman Andrew Gant said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 16th August: “Deputies arrived to assist animal control officers and quickly observed that both dogs were underweight. Buttercup in particular displayed visible hip bones, shoulder blades, and other bones.” 

“Crain claimed to deputies that he had not purchased food in around five weeks due to financial difficulties and that his last feeding of the dogs was two to three days prior. 

“Upon entering the property, deputies discovered all the dog bowls in the cages to be empty of water.

“A third dog, Joker, was located in a cage and was promptly given water by a deputy using a found hose. 

“A deputy took it upon themselves to purchase a large bag of Pedigree dog food and deliver it to the house after Crain indicated his inability to afford it. 

“Children were also present in the home, leading deputies to inspect the residence to ensure their well-being. They found an ample amount of food in both the pantry and refrigerator. Interestingly, a pizza delivery was made while deputies were present.” 

The sheriff’s office urges citizens unable to provide care for their animals to reach out to animal control officers or trusted rescue organisations for their surrender.