Thursday June 25, 2009, 1:52 am
More callous behaviour from a scumbag. Hope they throw the book at her. Thanks Maria xx

Thursday June 25, 2009, 6:08 am
very sad.. :( Thanks Maria!

A woman who leased animals out as guard dogs was charged with 24 counts of animal cruelty Tuesday, Polk County deputies say.

The two dozen dogs, including German shepherds and American bulldogs, were malnourished, improperly confined and poorly groomed, the sheriff's office said. A veterinarian examining the dogs says all have fleas and other parasites.

Animal Control officers have responded to previous complaints about the dogs' owner, Kathy Browning, 38, of Winter Haven, the sheriff's office said. Browning rents the animals to businesses such as tow yards to use as guard dogs.

Browning said she has struggled financially to support the animals, including three puppies, deputies said. She released custody of the dogs to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office said in a release that any of the dogs that have been trained as guard dogs are aggressive in nature and not well-suited to a family environment, so they will likely be given to rescue organizations. Others that are deemed adoption-worthy will be made available at a later date.

According to an affidavit, during the investigation, Kathy Browning told animal control officers that her husband, Paul Browning, 36, had hit her during an argument over money. She had a bruise on her right eye, according to the report. He is being held without bail at the county jail.

"The state of neglect that our Animal Control Officers found these dogs in … was just awful," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "We got there in the nick of time – and now that we have custody of these dogs, we can bring them back to health and ensure they have the quality of life they deserve. We appreciate the public's concern for these animals, which led us to this residence in the first place. And not only did we save these dogs, we put a man who battered his wife behind bars as well."

Thursday June 25, 2009, 7:21 pm
Sad story, hope the dogs now have a brighter future. Thanks Maria

Thursday June 25, 2009, 7:41 pm
As we need to be aware, personally I don't like to read too deeply (it badders me). Poor dogs.

Thursday June 25, 2009, 7:50 pm
noted maria

Thursday June 25, 2009, 9:59 pm
Such cruelty saddens me deeply:(

Thursday June 25, 2009, 10:40 pm
Noted, thanks Maria. These people should be prohibited by law from ever owning any animals in the future. I hope they don't have any children.

Friday June 26, 2009, 12:33 am
What is it with some poeple? I hope these dogs go to loving home where they are cared for and loved.

Friday June 26, 2009, 1:16 am
Damn, again I must repeat my feelings, as posted on other stories: ANYONE who can look into the innocent eyes of an animal (or a child) and take advantage of their absolute and total trust, by using harsh words or physical violence, OR NOT feeding and taking care of them, DOES NOT deserve to live life among us! They MUST be made to realize that all life is precious and that no one has the right to mess with it. I pray the seriousness of these deeds is recognized and that justice will be done.