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Abused dog's healing begins; owner jailed

The 4-month-old pit bullterrier was found with numerous injuries. The owner is charged with animal cruelty.

By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Published May 5, 2006

TAMPA - When police arrived, the little red dog's skin hung in large, rotting clumps from his body.

His back was red, lacerated and bleeding, swathes of flesh missing. Beneath the 4-month-old pit bullterrier's collar, a deep groove marked his skin, raw and festering, a wound created, police believe, because his collar was never adjusted to suit his growing body. The dog also was covered with fleas and infested with hookworms.

Officers named him Clifford, the Little Red Dog, after one of children's literature's most notable characters. Hillsborough County Animal Services immediately placed their Clifford in veterinary care at the shelter.

On Thursday, police arrested Clifford's owner, 22-year-old Jamil T. Gilmore, and charged him with animal cruelty and making threats against law enforcement officers.

Four hours later, Gilmore, a construction worker who resides at 3810 N 55th St., was out on $4,000 bond.

Marti Ryan, spokeswoman for Hillsborough County Animal Services, said Clifford's case was one of the most disturbing instances of animal abuse officers had seen.

Officials don't know exactly what caused the puppy's severe injuries. The dog is friendly to humans, so Ryan said she doesn't believe he was used in the fighting arena.

"The fact is that he did sustain these injuries and there's absolutely no excuse," Ryan said.

Animal Services was alerted about the dog Wednesday when someone called with an anonymous tip. Though they took the puppy into custody Wednesday, Ryan said Gilmore was threatening and difficult. So, Tampa police came back on Thursday morning to make an arrest.

This is not his first charge.

Gilmore has been arrested 13 times since 2000, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2002, he served jail time after pleading guilty to making bomb threats. Other charges have included battery, burglary, drug possession and domestic violence.

Despite the puppy's condition when he arrived, Ryan said her department is hopeful Clifford can be nursed to health and, eventually, be adopted.

"We're fairly certain this is going to have a fairly happy ending," she said.

--Times researcher Angie Drobnic-Holan contributed to this report.

[Last modified May 5, 2006, 02:30:26]