Auburndale Public Utilities Director Arrested for Animal Cruelty

Staff Reporter  | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published May 28th, 2025

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AUBURNDALE, FL – May 28, 2025 – The Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has arrested Bradford Thomas, 37, the Public Utilities Director for the City of Auburndale, and charged him with animal cruelty after an investigation revealed the neglect of his two dogs. Thomas was booked into the Polk County Jail on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, facing charges of Animal Cruelty (Misdemeanor 1) and Aggravated Animal Cruelty (Felony 3).

The PCSO initiated the investigation after being contacted by the Auburndale Police Department, who had received information about a dog in severe distress due to malnourishment.

A detective from the PCSO's Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit responded to Thomas's residence on Diamond Ridge Drive in Auburndale on Tuesday afternoon. There, the detective made contact with Thomas and his two dogs: Stella, an approximately 8.5-year-old female Great Dane, and Bella, an approximately 18 to 20-year-old female Terrier mix.

The detective's assessment revealed that Stella was severely emaciated, exhibiting multiple abrasions and scabs, a heavy flea infestation, and severe pododermatitis (bumblefoot) on all four paws, appearing to be in significant pain. Further investigation revealed that Stella had not received any veterinary care since 2020, despite her visibly poor physical condition.

Bella was found to be suffering from severe flea dermatitis with significant hair loss on her back.

Both dogs underwent examination by Dr. Kerry Jackson, DVM. Dr. Jackson determined that Stella weighed a mere 60.8 pounds, approximately half of her ideal weight, assigning her a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 1/9. Bella weighed 10.6 pounds with a BCS of 2/9.

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

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated, "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.”

Since beginning treatment at Animal Control, Stella has already gained 6.8 pounds with proper feeding and hydration.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is handling the criminal investigation. Inquiries regarding Mr. Thomas’s employment status should be directed to the City of Auburndale. 

Photos provided to iSkyNews.com from the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

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