18-year-old accused of starving dog and puppies

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A local 18-year-old is charged with felony animal cruelty.

Michael Bennett is accused of keeping a dog outside for days without food and water, and unable to get to her 10 puppies.

Sophia and her 10 pups are back together.

“Mom is doing a lot better; she’s already gained about four pounds since last night,” said Officer Martin Pruitt, with Nassau County Animal Services.

But just hours ago, she was in bad shape.

Investigators said she was outside a Bryceville home, with no food or water for days, and she couldn’t get to her babies.

Deputies said the puppies were locked in a garage and unable to get out.

“You could just hear the puppies scratching at the door, trying to get out,” he said.

Pruitt said they got a call about a dog running around in the area.

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When they found the dog and brought him to his home, they noticed Sophia and her puppies, and she was dying of hunger and thirst.

“She looks, probably one of the worst ones I have ever seen,” Pruitt said.

Deputies said the dogs belong to Bennett.

Pruitt said Bennett was given an animal citation just months ago for letting a dog run free.

Pruitt said it will be at least two months before Sophia and her puppies can hopefully find a forever home.

Bennett told investigators the dog started losing weight when she had puppies

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