City of Auburndale's public utilities director accused of neglecting his dogs
AUBURNDALE, Fla. (WFLA) — The city of Auburndale's public utilities director was arrested Tuesday after the Polk County Sheriff's Office said he neglected to care for his two dogs.
The sheriff's office said it was contacted by Auburndale police officers after they were made aware of a dog that was starving and in poor condition.
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A detective with the sheriff's office went to Bradford Thomas' home on Diamond Ridge Drive on Tuesday.
The detective said an 8.5-year-old Great Dane named Stella was severely emaciated, had multiple abrasions and scabs, was covered in fleas and was suffering from severe pododermatitis, also known as bumblefoot, on all four paws.
She also appeared to be in severe pain.
The sheriff's office said records showed that Stella had not received any veterinary care since 2020, even though 'she was in horrible physical condition.'
Bella, an 18 to 20-year-old Terrier mix, was suffering from severe flea dermatitis on her back with hair loss.
A veterinarian who examined the dogs said Stella weighed just 60.8 pounds, which is about half of what she should weigh.
Both dogs were voluntarily surrendered to the Polk County Sheriff's Office and taken to the PCSO's Animal Control facility for treatment.
'The dogs and their former owner will be getting the attention they need and deserve. For Bradford Thomas, this behavior is absolutely unacceptable,' Sheriff Grady Judd said. 'It is incomprehensible that someone in his capacity as a senior manager in a reputable and responsible local government would do something like this—starving and causing such pain for an innocent animal. We will do everything we can to hold him criminally responsible. We will also do everything we can to get these dogs healthy and thriving. They are off to a good start—we pray it's not too late and they respond to medical treatment, nourishment, and love.'
The sheriff's office said Stella has gained 6.8 pounds since beginning treatment at animal control.
Thomas was charged with animal cruelty and aggravated animal cruelty.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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