BRADFORD THOMAS, Public Utilities Director for the City of Auburndale, arrested for severely neglecting his two dogs

- Florida, USA -

The Polk County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 37-year-old BRADFORD THOMAS (pictured), Public Utilities Director for the City of Auburndale.

In a press release the sheriff's office explained that deputies were contacted by the Auburndale Police Department after its officers were made aware of a dog who “was starving and in poor condition” at a property on Diamond Ridge Drive in Auburndale.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, a detective from the sheriff’s office Animal Cruelty Investigations responded to the residence and made contact with THOMAS.

The detective found two female dogs. One Terrier mix named Bella, approximately 18 to 20-years old, and a Great Dane named Stella, approximately 8.5-years old.

According to the press release, “Bella was suffering from severe flea dermatitis on her back with hair loss.”

Stella was “… severely emaciated, had multiple abrasions and scabs, was covered with fleas, and was suffering from severe pododermatitis (also known as bumblefoot) on all four paws. She also appeared to be in severe pain.”

The sheriff’s office said that despite Stella being “in horrible physical condition”, she has not received any veterinary care since 2020, according to records.

Bella and Stella were voluntarily surrendered to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and taken to the PCSO’s Animal Control facility for treatment.

Dr. Kerry Jackson, DVM, examined both the furvictims. It was determined that Bella weighed 10.6 pounds and her Body Condition Score (BCS) was 2/9.

Stella’s examination revealed that she weighed just 60.8 pounds, which is about half of what she should weigh, and that she had a BCS 1/9.

The good news is that, as the Polk County Sheriff’s Office advised through an update on their Facebook page, since beginning treatment “Stella has increased her weight by 6.8 pounds with proper feeding and hydration.” According to the post, Stella is “eating like a champ!”

On May 27, 2025, THOMAS was placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail. He was charged with Animal Cruelty (M1) and Aggravated Animal Cruelty (F3).

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said: “The dogs and their former owner will be getting the attention they need and deserve. For Bradford Thomas, this behavior is absolutely unacceptable. It is incomprehensible that someone in his capacity as a senior manager in a reputable and responsible local government would do something like this—starving and causing such pain for an innocent animal. We will do everything we can to hold him criminally responsible. We will also do everything we can to get these dogs healthy and thriving. They are off to a good start—we pray it’s not too late and they respond to medical treatment, nourishment, and love.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

THOMAS’ mugshot shared from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Pictures of the furvictims shared from the Polk County Sheriff's Office

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