Nearly 70 dogs were seized from a breeder in Clair-Mel City on Monday, according to Hillsborough County Animal Services.
This isn't the first time so many dogs have been seized from the home.
Monday's incident began about 8 p.m., when deputies responded to a report of possible stolen property at 1219 S. 66th St. Timothy Otto told deputies he didn't have the stolen property and invited them to look around, animal services spokeswoman Marti Ryan said.
Deputies saw several breeds of dogs, including poodles and Chihuahuas, living in deplorable conditions, Ryan said. Investigators seized 67 animals. Many of the dogs were pregnant and nursing, and some gave birth Tuesday.
Otto, 40, will face several counts of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty, Ryan said.
In May 2007, investigators seized at least 70 dogs from Otto's parents, Martin and Alma, after finding Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Boston and Yorkshire terriers, poodles, bulldogs and pit bulls at the property, Ryan said at the time. They also found cats and miniature horses.
But the Ottos were not charged because there was no evidence of "intentional, malicious neglect."
Most of the dogs seized this week are being transferred to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Poodle and Pooch Rescue and CARES Animal Rescue.
Roughly a dozen dogs will be available for adoption next week. For information, call (813) 744-5660 or go towww.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices...." More
