Seminole County

Sanford man accused of animal cruelty after 14 malnourished dogs found living outside

SANFORD, Fla. — A Sanford man is accused of animal cruelty after police say they found 14 dogs living outside in poor conditions.

Police said the dogs were malnourished and covered in maggots. The dogs’ owner, Dennis Vann, told police he is sick and can’t take care of the dogs.

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Now he’s in custody at the Seminole County Jail.

Officers said the 14 dogs were rescued from the backyard of a Sanford home where the animals were living in filthy pens, and some food bowls were empty.

READ: Orlando man charged with animal cruelty for shooting brother’s dog

Vann told police “he was unaware of the injuries of the dogs.”

The dogs are now in the care of Seminole County Animal Services. The shelter said all of the dogs involved are alive, but that it’s too early to say if the dogs will go up for adoption.

READ: Florida lawmakers look to increase penalties for animal cruelty

They said it depends on what the judge decides and how the case plays out in court.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.