Police: Adult Pit Bull Found Eating Dead Puppies In Tampa

Hillsborough deputies are investigating an animal cruelty case in Tampa.

Police say they responded to 8429 W. Camden Street, Apt B in Tampa in reference to a dead puppy in the yard. When they arrived, they could see through a fence seven pit bull puppies about 6 weeks old and an adult female pit bull feeding on a dead puppy.

Deputies made contact with the dog’s owner, 33-year-old Marangillette Viera-Rivera, who was inside her residence at the time deputies arrived.

Police also say there was no food or water for the dogs outside and there was no shelter from the sun.

An investigator with Hillsborough County Pet Resources responded to the scene and took possession of all the animals, including a Chihuahua puppy found inside the residence.

Deputies arrested Viera-Rivera and transported her to the Hillsborough County Jail.

The current booking photo was not available at the time of this release.

All further inquires as to the current welfare and status of the surviving puppies and their mother should be directed to Hillsborough County Pet Resources tomorrow morning during normal business hours.