The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested a man on animal cruelty charges after deputies recovered more than a dozen dogs living in poor conditions in a Nokomis home.

Agricultural Unit deputies and Animal Services officers began their investigation on March 6 when they were alerted to several dogs living on the property of 369 Scott Street. When they arrived at the home of Ivan McCollum, DOB 11/01/70, deputies found a total of 14 dogs living in confined crates and kennels without food or water, covered in urine and feces. One of the dogs was tethered to a tree on the property without proper shelter or water. According to a veterinarian, all of the animals were malnourished and several were suffering from internal parasites that if left untreated, could result in death.

Deputies arrested McCollum Tuesday evening and charged him with Animal Cruelty and Unlawful Confinement of an Animal. At a first appearance hearing today, McCollom was granted high supervision release.


Ivan McCollum