More than a dozen dogs, puppies seized from home, owner arrested for animal cruelty: deputies
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LAKE PLACID, Fla. (WFLA) — More than a dozen dogs and puppies were seized from a Highlands County home Monday by animal services.

The owner of these animals, 42-year-old James Ididson Barfield of Lake Placid, was arrested on animal cruelty charges after deputies said they found several malnourished and neglected dogs.

The county’s Animal Services Unit was called to Flamingo Street after receiving a report of an “extremely emaciated dog” in the area, who was also nursing four puppies.

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office said when officials tracked the dog to Barfield, they discovered more than a dozen dogs living in his home. They said that while some were in good shape, six of the animals showed serious signs of neglect.

According to deputies. those six dogs were located in an unclean kennel, tucked in the corner of his backyard.

Barfield had no food or water in the kennels, as they were “emaciated to the point where their bone structure was visible,” the sheriff’s office said.

Animal services seized all of the dogs in the kennel, while the ones in good shape were left in the care of family members at the home. Officials said animal services will be regularly checking up on them to ensure proper care.

Barfield was charged with six counts of animal cruelty. His bond was set at $30,000.

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