EBRO, Fla., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A greyhound trainer in Florida is facing animal cruelty and possibly other charges in the deaths of at least 20 racing dogs, a track official said.
The dogs were found dead in the kennels at the Ebro Greyhound Park Friday by state investigators who were looking into a complaint from a greyhound adoption agency.
Trainer Ronnie Williams was arrested by Washington County sheriff's officers Friday and on Saturday was facing at least one charge of animal cruelty, Mark Hess, assistant general manager of the park, told the Walton Sun of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He said more charges are likely.
It is not immediately known how many dogs died, when or how. Officials are awaiting necropsy results, but Greyhound Pets of America reported getting underweight dogs, Hess said.
Five dogs were found alive in the kennel. Four of them are being held by the state and are doing well, and one was taken to a veterinarian for immediate care, Hess said. The situation is especially perplexing because the dogs were not abandoned, he said.
Calls to Sheriff Bobby Haddock were not returned, and his staff said no one would comment until Monday.
