Estero man arrested after 12 dogs found in hot camper full of feces, urine

Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published:
Jose Rodriguez
Jose Rodriguez, 46. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrested a man for animal cruelty after they found a dozen dogs inside a hot, trash-filled camper.

Troopers say they arrested Jose Rodriguez, 46, of Estero on Wednesday after finding 12 dogs in what they said were poor conditions.

FHP says they were called to assist animal control on Glenwood Drive in Fort Myers. When they arrived, animal control told them that the camper trailer was recorded at 114 degrees with dogs inside.

Troopers say the trailer appeared to be in poor condition, and they could smell feces and urine.

FHP questioned Rodriguez, who pleaded with them not to take his dogs and told them they had been in the trailer since the morning but had not been dealt with throughout the day.

Troopers asked Rodriguez to open the trailer for them. They say Rodriguez partially opened a padlocked door to the trailer so troopers could see inside.

FHP says the troopers saw piles of garbage and feces on the trailer floor near the opened door. They say Rodriguez pled with them not to take the dogs as he closed the door.

Troopers asked Rodriguez to hand the dogs over voluntarily, but he refused.

Rodriguez was detained, and troopers determined that the dogs were being neglected and the shelter provided was inhumane.

Animal control went through the trailer and removed 12 dogs. They say there was feces, urine, trash, maggots, and dirty water inside. The dogs were taken to a shelter.

Rodriguez was taken to the lee County Sheriff’s Office to be booked. He is facing 12 charges of animal cruelty and is being held on a $120,000 bond.

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