Reported Dog Bite Leads To Man's Arrest For Child Neglect And Animal Cruelty

A report of personal injuries suffered from a dog bite in Daytona Beach, Florida has resulted in a man being arrested for nine animal cruelty charges and one child neglect charge, according to police.

Police arrested 31-year-old Lennis Dwayne Stephens, who has been accused of intentionally keeping five of his eight pit bulls in conditions which caused the animals “unnecessary pain and suffering.”

Police say their investigation uncovered living conditions not fit for humans, either.

Officials said that during the police’s investigation, they discovered that Stephens’ 5-year-old daughter had asked to stay with her cousin because “the house smelled bad” and “crack heads were always in the house.”

Police noted spoiled food, holes in the floor, and a toilet that would not flush in finding the living conditions to be “deplorable” for both humans and animals. Police also say they discovered signs of narcotics use.

According to records, the home had also been the subject of several animal complaints within recent months. Police say that some of the dogs, which were transported to Flagler Humane Society, showed wounds consisted with fight training.

Stevens was held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on $25,000 bail.