Lakeland man leaves 3 dogs in home with no air, water; says he ‘left town for work,’ deputies say

Warning: The images below may contain graphic content that may disturb some viewers.

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A Lakeland man has been arrested for animal cruelty after allegedly leaving his three dogs in a home with no air or water as he “left town for work,” the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Andrew Whitehurst, 26, told deputies he thought a family member was going to take care of his three dogs. Those dogs were instead allegedly left inside the residence without air or water.

One of the dogs passed away. The other two dogs were found severely malnourished and dehydrated, according to PCSO.

On Oct. 2, deputies were contacted about a well-being check at a home in Lakeland where a witness noticed skinny dogs inside.

According to PCSO, deputies arrived at the home and found the power was off and a foul odor was coming from within the house.

“If you own pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them by providing them with food, water, and shelter which includes free-flowing air. Not doing so is evidence of someone with no conscience and a great disregard for life. Andrew doesn’t deserve to be a pet owner ever again,” Sheriff, Grady Judd said.

After getting the homeowner’s information and calling him, a man showed up and told deputies his name was “Kevin James,” who was a friend of Whitehurst and was coming to check on the dogs, according to PCSO.

Deputies questioned the information and confirmed Whitehurst was the suspect. Whitehurst stated he was scared to give his real name.

Whitehurst confirmed to deputies that he lived at the home and that the dogs were his. He also stated that he left on Sept. 26 for work and assumed his father would take care of the dogs, but did not specifically make arrangements, according to PCSO.

Animal Cruelty Investigations detectives found:

• Flies on the insides of the windows
• A deceased dog
• Two malnourished dogs
• The floors covered in feces and urine
• No fresh water
• No air conditioning or ventilation

Two of the dogs are being treated and rehabilitated at Polk County Animal Control.

Whitehurst is charged with three counts of felony animal cruelty, confining animals without sufficient food or water, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.