Subject:
Title
Proposed ratification of initiation of litigation in the case of Pinellas County v. Phillip Devine; County Civil Case No. 24-004905-CO - petition for custody of cruelly or neglectfully treated animals.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Ratification of the Chair’s approval of authority to initiate litigation against Phillip Devine.
Body
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On May 29, 2024, PCAS received a complaint of abandoned animals, stating that there were three (3) dogs in the yard that appeared very skinny, and one (1) additional dog that appeared dead. PCAS staff arrived at the subject property and observed one (1) dog tethered to a tree, two (2) dogs loose in the yard, and one (1) dog laying in the yard not moving. PCAS additionally observed no access to water, food, or shelter for the animals. PCAS attempted to take the four (4) observed animals into custody; staff was able to apprehend three (3) of the animals. One of the animals apprehended died due to its condition upon arrival of PCAS.
On May 31, 2024, PCAS went to the subject property again and was granted access to the rear of the property. In addition to the animals that were observed and/or impounded on May 29th, PCAS observed: one (1) female Pitbull type dog in a wooden box like kennel with open wounds and a hernia; one (1) male Pitbull type dog in a cement kennel, standing in water/urine/feces; and one (1) Pitbull type dog loose in the yard. All animals were observed to be underweight and without access to food or appropriate shelter. On May 31, 2024, PCAS took these three (3) dogs into custody.
On June 7, 2024, a petition for custody of the animals was filed after receiving authority from the Chair pursuant to Resolution No.: 21-23. This item is now being brought to the County Commission for ratification, consistent with that resolution.
Body
Background Information:
N/A
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Amanda Coffey, Managing Assistant County Attorney
David Barrera, Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Pinellas County Animal Services
Attachments:
N/A