LAKE CITY, Fla. — A Lake City man is in custody after police say he mistreated more than a dozen animals at his home.
According to a release from the Lake City Police Department, a Lake City Humane Society employee said a Putnam Street homeowner, 73-year-old Ronald Nims, was issued a 72-hour notice requiring him to comply with state law regarding the care of the animals in his possession after numerous complaints made about the animals' care and living conditions within the home.
Nims initially refused entry to the home, police said.
Officers were eventually able to conduct a compliance check with Humane Society employees. They discovered 12 animals found in need of medical treatment "due to malnutrition and other injuries," and 13 animals were caged without access to food or water, the release said.
The animals include dogs, cats and chickens, according to authorities. They were rescued by the Humane Society and are being treated.
Nims was charged with five counts of torture, inflict pain, serious injury or death to animals, 13 counts of confining an animal without sufficient food or water and 12 counts of torment, deprive or mutilate animals. He was taken to the Columbia County Detention Center.
