Broward man faces animal cruelty charges after 5 dogs found malnourished at his home, deputies say

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A man was arrested Wednesday after Broward County deputies responding to a Crime Stoppers tip about possible animal cruelty and suspected dog fighting activities found several dogs in poor condition, authorities said.

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Jail records show Henry Mims, 53, of Fort Lauderdale, was arrested by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said they responded to Mims’ home near the 2900 block of Northwest 10th Court in unincorporated Broward County. They said they spoke with Mims before going into the backyard, where several dogs were kept.

According to an arrest report, deputies found three “pit bull-type dogs” secured with heavy metal chains attached to large collars that appeared to be too heavy for the dogs.

One of the dogs appeared extremely thin, with its ribs, spine and hip bones visibly protruding, deputies said. The dog also had an apparent sore on its neck beneath the jawline.

They said the wound on that dog was “reddened,” showed hair loss and exposed tissue, and that additional scars and marks were visible on the dog’s body.

Another dog had visible redness around its neck that was consistent with prolonged pressure or rubbing from its collar and chain, the report states.

Two other dogs were housed in individual wire kennels, according to the report.

Broward County Animal Control officials told deputies that the conditions of the property and the circumstances involving the dogs were consistent with signs of neglect and “possible involvement in dog-fighting activities,” the report states.

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After authorities explained their concerns about the animals’ condition, Mims voluntarily surrendered five of his six dogs to Broward County Animal Care, officials said.

Mims told authorities he was “tired of repeated visits from law enforcement and animal control,” according to the report.

One of the surrendered dogs, an American Staffordshire terrier, had apparent wounds on her neck from a heavy leash and collar, authorities said. The dog was later euthanized because of aggression, according to officials.

Four other American Staffordshire terriers were considered underweight and were infested with fleas, authorities said.

The sixth dog was not surrendered and remained with Mims. Authorities said the dog appeared to be healthy and well cared for.

Jail records show Mims is facing four counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of animal cruelty.

As of Thursday, he was being held on a $21,000 bond at the Broward County Main Jail.

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