Hoadley Ave Junkyard Site of Animal Cruelty

ABC Action News had video of the fence mentioned below, and an interview with a nearby Port Tampa resident. I can't find the link now, and they may have taken it down permanently, but if I can find it I'll post an update. One thing development is bringing is closer scrutiny of what goes on behind the fences at these junk yards. This headline could also have been, Concerned Neighbors Try to Save Dogs' Lives, Report Abuser

Man Charged With Cruelty
By ELAINE SILVESTRINI The Tampa Tribune

Published: Apr 21, 2007

TAMPA - A 51-year-old city man, who displayed suspected dog skulls on his fence, has been charged with cruelty to animals for allegedly neglecting dogs he kept outside at his boat business.

Authorities were notified by a concerned citizen and responded to Richard Allan Hopkins' business at 7260 Hoadley Avenue, according to Marti Ryan, spokeswoman for Hillsborough County animal control. Ryan said three dogs - two adults and a puppy - had been neglected for some time and had injuries to their faces and paws that were infected and untreated. The animals were also infested with fleas and showed signs of heart worm, she said.

Hopkins had two full skulls and some more partial skulls on his fence. Ryan said investigator Renee Northrup is confident they are dog skulls.

Read the full story here