POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — A 33-year-old man is facing an animal neglect charge after deputies said they found a malnourished pit bull tied to a tree in the backyard of his mother’s Pompano Beach home.
The suspect, identified as Jabarri Matthew Booker, was arrested Thursday near the 2600 block of Northwest 10th Street, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Jail records show he is facing one count of conservation of animals meant to torment, deprive, mutilate or kill.
An anonymous caller told deputies she had first seen the dog about five months earlier in healthy condition with a doghouse in the backyard.
Over time, the caller said, the doghouse was replaced with a tent, and eventually the tent disappeared, leaving the dog tied to a tree without shelter, according to the report.
In recent weeks, the caller reported the dog had become severely thin, describing it as “skin and bones.”
When deputies arrived at the home, they spoke to Booker’s mother, who said her son was caring for a white pit bull named Kane.
Investigators observed Kane tethered to a tree, lying in a dirt hole and appearing “malnourished and weak.” Deputies also noted a black bowl of stagnant water nearby with larvae inside.
Authorities said deputies fed Kane and gave him fresh water, after which the dog became more alert and responsive.
They said Broward County Animal Control later removed the pit bull, and a specialist determined the animal was in poor condition and appeared malnourished.
Deputies said Booker failed to provide Kane with “necessary sustenance,” as evidenced by the dog’s condition.
As of Friday, he was being held at the Broward Main Jail on a $3,500 bond.
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