Florida man charged after severely neglected pig found

Antonio Rodriguez Raymundo-Diego, 20, was arrested on charges of aggravated animal cruelty and failing to provide an animal with enough food and water. Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office/WPBF via CNN Newsource

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida (WPBF) -- A Loxahatchee man is facing animal cruelty charges after investigators said a pig on his property was found severely underweight and in poor health.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Antonio Rodriguez Raymundo-Diego, 20, was arrested on charges of aggravated animal cruelty and failing to provide an animal with enough food and water.

The investigation began in February when Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control responded to a home on Tangerine Drive in Loxahatchee after receiving a complaint about animal conditions.

Officials said they found a pig lying on its side inside a pen. The animal appeared extremely thin, dehydrated and suffering from a skin condition. The pig was surrendered to Animal Care and Control and taken for treatment.

Veterinarians determined the pig was severely malnourished and suffering from mites and parasites. Investigators said the animal quickly improved after receiving food, water and medical care.

Three months later, the pig had gained significant weight and was active and alert, according to the report.

Based on the investigation, deputies charged Raymundo-Diego with aggravated animal cruelty and animal neglect.

By Vanessa Laurent