East Naples man accused of killing dog, blinding another through neglect

An East Naples man was arrested on Tuesday after deputies say he neglected two dogs to the point that one died and the other was left blind.

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Nickey Cothran left his two dogs at the Humane Society Naples. Both dogs, cocker spaniels named Percy and Henry, were found to be in extremely poor condition.

HSN’s chief medical officer told detectives that both dogs appeared neglected. Henry began gasping and died before any medical intervention could be performed. Detectives contacted Cothran on March 7 at his home on Boca Ciega Drive, and he signed surrender paperwork for the dogs.

On March 10, in following up with HSN, detectives learned that an examination of Henry’s body revealed a severe flea infestation with fleas numbering in the thousands in the veterinarian’s estimation. The dog also suffered from a chronic ear infection, dental disease and a hole in his stomach wall.

The medical staff also informed detectives that Cothran’s other dog, Percy, was also found to be suffering from multiple unmanaged health conditions. His coat was severely matted all over, and he also had a severe flea infestation. He had not been groomed for a year or longer and had such bad ear infections he will likely require surgery to remove his ear canals.

Percy is also completely blind and has untreated glaucoma and dry eye which will require surgical removal of both eyes to relieve pain. It took HSN staff two hours to remove matted hair representing 6% of Percy’s body weight.

Both Henry and Percy suffered severe, daily, chronic pain and discomfort for what is suspected to be a period of a year or longer. Their chronic conditions were preventable or manageable but instead were neglected.

Cothran faces two counts of felony cruelty to animals – causing cruel death, pain or suffering.