ALACHUA, Fla. – A 57-year-old Alachua man, Freddie Kelly, is facing an aggravated animal cruelty charge after authorities said his dog was discovered tethered with a heavy metal chain while suffering from a severe neck injury.
An Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputy was called to the 14100 block of NW 167th Place on June 25 after Animal Control officers asked for assistance with a dog they believed was in distress. According to the deputy’s report, the Labrador Retriever mix, named Big Boy, was secured to a wire line using a metal chain and collar. The chain was later determined to weigh more than 10 pounds. The deputy also reported smelling a strong odor of decay while nearing the animal.
Big Boy appeared underweight, with his bones visibly protruding, and had what authorities described as a large open wound on his neck.
Because officers could not immediately verify who owned the dog, Big Boy was taken into custody and transported to Alachua County Animal Resources for emergency medical care.
A veterinarian at the shelter found a ruptured mass on the right side of the dog’s neck, roughly the size of a softball. The injury had a foul odor, and maggots were present in the tissue, according to the veterinary assessment. The mass was surgically removed, and Big Boy was also found to have a serious flea infestation.
Investigators later noted that Kelly had received a written warning in 2021 over tethering a dog with a heavy chain. The description of that animal matched Big Boy, authorities said.
Kelly subsequently surrendered Big Boy to the county. He reportedly told officials that he had owned the dog since it was a puppy and had continued feeding him.
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After being advised of his Miranda rights, Kelly allegedly acknowledged that Big Boy had been kept on the heavy chain. He also said he attempted to care for the neck wound himself by opening the affected area and applying hydrogen peroxide.
Big Boy’s health continued to worsen despite treatment, and he was humanely euthanized on July 1.
Kelly was charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Court records indicate he has no prior criminal history. He was released on $5,000 bail, and Judge Mitchell Bishop ordered that he have no contact with animals.