The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a North Port man after he allowed several animals in his care to become malnourished, infected with parasites, and unable to access food or water.
Animal Services Officers first responded to 1420 Nimbus Drive on August 29 after the North Port Police Department requested a welfare check for animals living at the home of Brian Eichmann, DOB 04/02/78. When officers arrived, they found the home to be covered in urine and feces with numerous dogs, cats, reptiles, and spiders throughout. Two of the dogs, Koda and Princess, both adult pitbulls, were severely malnourished and underweight, stained from urine and feces, with overgrown nails. Eichmann told deputies a veterinarian visited his home in June 2018 and advised the animals were healthy. In addition to the adult dogs, deputies found two caged pitbull puppies without access to food or water. Upon examination by a veterinarian, both Koda and Princess were suffering an infestation of internal parasites and had to be hospitalized for several days. Koda was eventually euthanized to end his suffering.
Further investigation revealed a veterinarian never visited Eichmann’s home however, Eichmann brought the two puppies in for an exam in May 2018. Eichmann, who claimed he didn’t have enough money for regular vet visits, never brought the puppies in for rabies vaccinations as directed by the vet and instead used his money to have the animals’ ears cosmetically cropped.
Eichmann is charged with two felony counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. He was released Friday on $10,000 bond. Princess is continuing to receive medical care while the sheriff’s office petitions the court for custody of the puppies who are both recovering well.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advised the reptiles and spiders living in Eichmann’s home met the required standards of care.