‘On Death's Door': Woman Arrested After Pit Bull Found Living in Dire Conditions

What to Know

  • Police in Sunrise have arrested and charged a woman with animal cruelty after her dog was found living in dire conditions.
  • The 2-year-old pit bull is currently under the care of animal rescue group “100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida."

Police in Sunrise have arrested and charged a woman with animal cruelty after her dog was found crammed in a small, broken cage bleeding from its nose and tail, according to an arrest report.

Lisamarie Charles, 38, was arrested Saturday after Sunrise police received a call of an animal abuse concern at the Oasis of Springtree neighborhood. Officials say Charles subjected the pit bull to “a long period of repeated malnutrition and mistreatment,” causing intense pain and suffering to the animal.

The 2-year-old pit bull, named “McCarthy,” was found living in conditions of extreme filth, squalor and neglect, the report said. The animal was extremely thin and underweight, with bones protruding from its skin. The home had an overwhelming odor of urine and feces, and the animal was found sitting in its own feces.

The cage, which had broken metal wires sticking out of it, appeared to be too small for the animal and would not allow the dog to sit in an upright position, the report said. The animal also did not have access to food or water.

Police were notified of the animal’s dire living conditions by the rescue group, “100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida,” according to an arrest report. The organization’s owner, Amy Roman, said the dog was “on deaths door” and needed to see a veterinarian right away for treatment.

The dog is currently under the care of the rescue group and will soon be up for adoption. Charles was arrested and transported to Broward County Jail. She is being charged with animal cruelty leading to death, pain and suffering. 

The pit bull was named McCarthy after the police officer who rescued him.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Please check back for more information.

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