Staff report
ALACHUA, Fla. – Freddie Kelly, 57, is facing an aggravated animal cruelty charge after Animal Control officers found his dog, Big Boy, tethered by a heavy metal chain and suffering from a “large, gaping wound” on his neck.
An Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy went to the 14100 block of NW 167th Place on June 25 after Animal Control requested assistance with a dog in distress. The deputy identified Big Boy as a Labrador Retriever mix tethered to a wire line with a heavy metal chain and collar. The chain was later found to weigh more than 10 pounds. The deputy also reported a “noticeable odor of decay” while approaching the dog.
Big Boy had a “large, gaping wound” on his neck and appeared severely underweight, with his bones clearly visible, according to the deputy’s report.
Because officers could not immediately confirm who owned the dog, Big Boy was taken into custody and transported to Alachua County Animal Resources for emergency medical care.
The shelter veterinarian described the injury as “a large ruptured mass with foul odor, maggots present in the tissue on the right side of the neck.” The mass, which was about the size of a softball, was surgically removed. Big Boy also had a severe flea infestation, officials reported.
The deputy’s report states that Kelly received a written warning in 2021 for tethering a dog to a heavy chain. The description of that dog matched Big Boy.
Kelly reportedly surrendered Big Boy to the county. He told officials he had owned the dog since it was a puppy and had been feeding him.
After being read his Miranda rights, Kelly reportedly acknowledged that Big Boy had been kept on a heavy chain. He also said he tried to treat the neck wound himself by opening the affected area and applying hydrogen peroxide.
Big Boy was humanely euthanized on July 1 because of his declining health.
Kelly was charged with aggravated animal cruelty. He has no prior criminal history and was released on $5,000 bail. Judge Mitchell Bishop ordered him to have no contact with animals.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
