PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – The Port St Lucie Police arrested man for an animal cruelty charge after his dog was found “emaciated”. The investigation began on September 3, 2020 when the Port St Lucie Police Department responded to the 400 Blk of SE Cork Road. Police Officers met the owner of the residence who was performing a prearranged, routine check of the house. The tenant and eventual arrestee, Timothy Sickel was not present.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department issued the following statement:
The owner of the residence observed a boxer, “Rocky”, locked in a kennel without food or water. The owner of the residence stated that “Rocky” appeared, emaciated. Several attempts were made to contact Sickle that evening.
Photographs were taken of “Rocky” and Port St Lucie Animal Control was contacted. Animal Control Officers observed “Rocky” to be very thin, with rib and hip bones easily visible and very little muscle mass. Animal Control Officers took possession of “Rocky” and brought him to Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie County. Staff observed “Rocky” to be emaciated and pointed out sores on both sides of his hip as a result of the emaciation.
Contact was eventually made with Sickel, who stated that “Rocky” has had problems with his weight throughout his life. He believed the weight problem was due to separation anxiety. Sickel stated he regularly feeds the dog, but it does not seem to gain weight.
We are happy to report that “Rocky” weighs 16 pounds more than he did in September. He will remain at the Human Society of St. Lucie County. The pictures attached are recent photographs of “Rocky”.