Florida Man Charged with Animal Cruelty After Dogs Found Covered in Fleas and Neglected
In Seminole County, Florida, a Sanford man named Fredrick Vihlen is facing serious animal cruelty charges after investigators say he allowed his two dogs to suffer from a severe flea infestation that caused hair loss and open sores. Authorities allege that both animals were living in extreme discomfort due to prolonged neglect.
Vihlen recently appeared before a judge to answer the charges, which stem from accusations that he failed to provide proper care for his Labrador Retriever, Teddy, and a pug named Gal. According to court documents, one of the dogs had lost nearly half of its fur, while both were found scratching and biting themselves constantly because of the irritation caused by fleas.
The investigation began after Seminole County Animal Services received a tip that one of the dogs had been locked inside a bedroom for more than 36 hours without access to food or water while Vihlen was away. When an officer visited the property, she found clear signs of neglect and immediately tried to intervene.
The officer returned multiple times over several days to check on the dogs and to help Vihlen understand the urgency of the situation. She even supplied him with medicated flea shampoo and urged him to take both dogs to a veterinarian for proper treatment. However, when she came back to the home, she found the bottle still unopened and the dogs’ condition significantly worse.
According to the official report, Teddy, the Labrador, was covered in fleas, had numerous open sores, and had lost about 50 percent of his coat. Gal, the pug, was also suffering, visibly distressed, and constantly scratching herself in an attempt to ease the discomfort. The officer concluded that both dogs were in urgent need of medical attention.
When Vihlen appeared in court, he denied all allegations, calling the situation a “witch hunt” and insisting he was being unfairly targeted. The judge was not persuaded and ordered that he remain confined in the Seminole County Jail while the case proceeds.
A family in Seattle dropped their dog, a black lab named Mitch, off at a local kennel one day, not expecting anything unusual to occur. But Mitch’s stay at the kennel ended with an employee brutally kicking and punching him – to the point of death.
Both dogs have since been removed from the home and are now receiving the care they need. Teddy is being treated at Seminole County Animal Services, where veterinarians are working to restore his health and comfort. Gal, the pug, has been placed with a new family who can provide her with proper attention and ongoing medical support.
This case highlights how neglect can cause immense suffering even without direct physical abuse. Animal welfare advocates say that routine grooming, preventive care, and timely veterinary visits are essential for keeping pets healthy. For animals like Teddy and Gal, such simple acts of compassion can mean the difference between pain and recovery, reminding everyone that pet ownership carries both love and responsibility.
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