DANIA BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Dozens of dogs have been rescued after their owner was arrested following a police investigation to allegations he abused his wife.
According to authorities, they pulled nearly 60 dogs from a Dania Beach home, Friday, that had it’s windows covered, with no ventilation and no food.
Video captured animal control officers feeding a hoard with dozens of dogs, as they scramble for food, after the man living there was taken to jail.
“This guy was crazy,” said a neighbor.
She told 7News that 62-year-old Raymond Ledbetter terrorized the neighborhood and his own wife.
“We knew something was going on in there,” the neighbor said. “We tried to help his wife a few times, but she was afraid of him too.”
On Sunday, Ledbetter was arrested and charged with false imprisonment and battery.
A few days later, there was another call for help from his wife at 226 SW 7th St. That’s when investigators would find the animal hoard.
At the home, there was one dog that was dead, eaten by the others, and dozens of others were fighting, desperate for food, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office who is now investigating.
“We got 48 dogs out yesterday,” said Emily Wood, director of Broward County Animal Care. “The gentleman in the home was arrested and that let his wife call in for help because we’ve been out there quite a few times, but he would never let us into the home, or the sheriff’s office.”
Once officers were let inside the home, they were able to bring the furry victims out.
According to investigators, some of them had hidden in the walls by chewing their way inside.
On Friday, the hunt for those hiding continued.
The news of what had happened confirmed neighbors’ suspicions.
“We heard that there was a lot of dogs in there, but he kept it so quiet,” a neighbor said, “and then he made everybody afraid.”
Ledbetter made his first appearance in court on Friday related to animal abuse.
“Forty-seven counts of causing cruel death or pain,” read the judge.
Those charges are in addition to what he’s accused of doing to his wife.
“After he stopped battering her, he took a drill and a large screw and secured the front door so that it couldn’t be opened,” said a state prosecutor, “and he was also making threats to kill family and himself.”
His bond was set at $75,000.
“So it’s finally over. I’m so glad,” said the neighbor. “Now she can get the help she needs. He can get help, and the dogs, I just hope most of them get a home.”
Ledbetter faces charges of animal cruelty. If he posts bond he will be placed on house arrest, and he will not be allowed to have animals.
Those dogs are now receiving care from veterinarians before they are sent to shelters to find new homes.
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