Dog Groomer Charged With Killing 3 Dogs

[matcom]

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CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A dog groomer has been charged with killing three show dogs after they went more than a month without food and water, authorities said.

A fourth dog found at the home of Donald H. Bryant, 54, was found emaciated and barely alive, Pinellas County Sheriff Sgt. Jim Bordner said. Bryant was charged Wednesday with animal cruelty.

Authorities found the dogs Nov. 7 after a neighbor reported a foul smell coming from Bryant's home. It is believed that Bryant had abandoned the dogs in locked cages without food or water since late September or early October, Bordner said.

The three dead dogs, in a state of decomposition, appeared to be two standard poodles and a large-breed schnauzer, Bordner said. The survivor also is a standard poodle.

The animals' owners, who live in Louisiana and North Florida, hired Bryant to take care of the dogs for an extended time, Bordner said. The surviving dog has been reunited with its owner.

Bryant has been released on $40,000 bond. It was not clear if he had an attorney.

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