2 illegal breeders charged with 12 counts of felony animal cruelty after dogs found in Largo park: LPD

LARGO, Fla. — Largo Police Department (LPD) said it has arrested two people in connection with the abandonment of 12 dogs in Largo park last month.

On Dec. 19, 12 dogs were abandoned at Taylor Park in Largo, 10 of which were puppies.

WATCH: 2 illegal breeders charged with 12 counts of felony animal cruelty after dogs found in Largo park: LPD

All the dogs are being treated at Skyway Animal Hospital for Parvo, a potentially deadly virus for dogs.

Tampa Bay 28 reporter Mary O'Connell learned on Dec. 31 one of the puppies had died. The remaining 11 were recovering.

Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue

LPD said police identified Mary Ann Halahuni Gamble, 42, and Fred Gamble, 43, as suspects. Investigators discovered both had been illegally breeding the dogs and knew some of the dogs in the litter in their custody were sick and died after being sold.

Both suspects have been arrested on 12 counts of felony animal cruelty charges each.

"This is a huge victory for the animal rescue community," Jaime McKnight, founder of Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue said. "And, I think if we hold them to the highest, fines or whatever we could do to get them punished for what they've done, it's going to be a huge victory for the animal rescue community. Because they need to be held accountable for what they've been doing. We want justice for Frosty."

Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Dexter's Law, which was named after a Pinellas County shelter dog that was killed days after being adopted. The new law, which went into effect Jan. 1, requires law enforcement to post on its website, in a searchable format, the names of people who have violated specific animal cruelty provisions. The law would make penalties for animal cruelty harsher and would most likely send people who commit those offenses to prison.

The website operated by FDLE went live earlier this week, drawing criticism from rescue groups. The searchable database only lists names of people who pleaded "Guilty" or “Nolo Contendere” to offenses specified under Florida Statute 828.12 and designated pursuant to F.S. 828.12(7). But there is no other context regarding the crime committed, the offender's date of birth, location, or photo to physically identify potential repeat offenders who adopt an animal. Rescue advocates plan to reach out to the state to change that.