St. Petersburg Man Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty

Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a St. Petersburg man for felony animal cruelty after finding his dog living in deplorable conditions.

Deputies were called to the Caroline Trailer Court located at 6418 Haines Road in unincorporated St. Petersburg at approximately 8:42 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in reference to a found dog. When deputies arrived they found a German Shepard mixed breed dog that appeared to be malnourished, emaciated and covered in fleas. Deputies were able to locate the dog’s owner, 38-year-old Jason Leigh Aldridge, who advised he did not know the dog had left his home.

As deputies conducted their investigation, they discovered Aldridge was feeding the dog from a plastic bag of food which was infested with bugs. The dog’s bed and area where dog spent the majority of his time was soiled with urine and feces and the food and water bowls were both empty.

According to deputies, Aldridge advised the dog named “Rocky” was 17-years-old and his health had been deteriorating, but he had not been to a vet recently due to his not having the money to take him.

Pinellas County Animal Services was contacted and took possession of the dog.  As of Saturday, April 26, 2014, “Rocky” weighed 47 pounds.

Deputies arrested Aldridge for 1 count of felony animal cruelty. Aldridge was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.