Dog With Severed Leg Found Abandoned

By CHRIS ECHEGARAY The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 23, 2007

TAMPA - Investigators found Dutchess hiding underneath a house Thursday night, nursing what was left of her rear right leg, said Sgt. Pam Perry of Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Investigators arrested the dog's owners, Norman Price, 21, and Kellane Allen, 22, address unavailable, just before 10 p.m. Friday, said Perry. They were charged with felony animal cruelty and improper confinement of an animal.

The owners didn't specify how Dutchess lost about half her leg, said Perry, the department's investigations manager. The owners said Dutchess was medically treated but they failed to administer the medication, Perry said.

The pit bull was wandering the streets on her three legs, returning to 4304 W. Laurel St., a vacant house where she was left by her owners, Perry said.

A neighbor reported the dog's condition, Perry said. Perry said two people were seen at the house with the dog, whose leg was bandaged. There's no indication the pit bull was used in dog fighting, Perry said.

"She is a good-natured animal," Perry said.

The dog is on pain medication for the trauma, Perry said. The owners declined to relinquish their rights to Dutchess, who is about 2 years old. Perry said the two were being taken to Orient Road Jail for booking.

Reporter Chris Echegaray can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or cechegaray@tampatrib.com.