Pit bull found tied to bumper, mother and son facing animal cruelty charges in Boynton Beach

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. - A Boynton Beach mother and son are facing animal cruelty charges after a starving, emaciated and flea-infested pit bull was found tied up to a car bumper with no shelter and food.

Hattie M. Isaiah of Flamingo Drive in Boynton Beach and Andrew Jones of Abraham Avenue in West Palm Beach have been summoned to appear in court August 2.

Both will be formally charged with one count each of cruelty to animals and unlawful abandonment or confinement of an animal.

Boynton Beach Police discovered the dog on Feb. 12 in the back yard of Isaiah's Flamingo Drive home.

Police said they found the adult male pit bull tied up by a cable to the bumper of an abandoned car. Its rib, hip and spine bones were visible and it had a large scar down the length of its back. Sitting in a patch of dirt with no grass and no shelter, the dog scratched incessantly at itself.

Near the dog, police found a metal kitchen pot with "green, algae-laden water" and an empty bowl, according to a probable cause affidavit.

As well, its gums were white, indicating anemia, police said.

Police took the dog to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control for treatment. When it was given dry dog biscuits, it "ate in a frantic manner," according to the affidavit.

Although it weighed 30 pounds, the dog grew to a healthier weight of 43.6 pounds after veterinarians gave him vitamins, food and deworming treatment.

Isaiah and Jones have been summoned to appear at the County Court in Delray Beach on August 2.
 
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