Tampa, Florida -
Michael Gibson, Charged with Animal Cruelty: “Might as well take my heart and kill me. It's my children, it's all I have to say.” But if Gibson's pets were children, he'd certainly be facing charges of child abuse.
Officer Greg Hattle, Tampa Police: “Animals aren't able to speak for themselves.” Dennis McCullough, Hillsborough County Animal Services: “This house is indicative where the living conditions are not even good for people, let alone animals.” This is the second time Tampa Police and Animal Control officers have raided the Gibson's home on East Nedro Road.
He was arrested on neglect charges last year, but after returning investigators say Gibson accumulated a mini-zoo that included of 13 dogs, and 5 newborn puppies.
Animal Services officer Dennis McCullough says the dogs in particular lived in squalid conditions….desperate to escape the heat.
Dennis McCullough, Hillsborough County Animal Services: “See they got tunnels dug where they go in and out. So this is pretty much where they were living in these tunnels, and under the shed.” Michael Gibson, Charged with Animal Cruelty. Before officers took Gibson off to jail, they removed five newborn puppies from the house.
They may be resting, but one animal control officer pointed out the pups were anything but comfortable, and pointed to fleas covering their entire tiny bodies.
