Six Puppies Dead, Man Charged with Animal Cruelty in St. Pete

A St. Petersburg man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after six dogs he was caring for either died or were put down because of neglect, according to authorities. 

Anthony Stanislas, 21, of the 700 block of 17th Avenue South, was charged with eight counts of animal neglect and one count of animal cruelty. 

Pinellas County Animal Services said they responded to Stanislas' home in June following complaints from neighbors about the dogs' condition. 

When authorities arrived, they found an adult female pit bull, six puppies and a young Rottweiler/pit bull mix in abusive conditions in a makeshift dog run in the rear of the suspect’s house, a news release said. 

According to animal services, the dogs were emaciated and suffered from internal parasites. 

The dogs were confiscated and brought to animal services. According to authorities, one puppy died en route and the other puppies and the mother had to be euthanized "because of poor health brought on by neglect."

The young Rottweiler mix survived and was adopted. 

Stanislas was arrested July 26 and is being held at the Pinellas County Jail on an $18,000 bond. 

If convicted for the felony animal cruelty charge, he could face five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.  Each misdemeanor charge of animal neglect carries with it a penalty of one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine, a news release said.