A Jacksonville woman was arrested in connection with an animal cruelty case that led to the death of a Great Dane, officials said. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported in a Facebook post that 42-year-old Dawn Lipford was taken into custody for allegedly abandoning the dog on the side of the road.
Authorities were notified last Sunday after the dog was found in poor condition. Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) attempted to treat the Great Dane, giving it the temporary name “Miracle,” but the dog did not survive. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the dog’s actual name was Oak, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The case progressed through cooperation between Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit detectives and ACPS. First Coast Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $8,000, funded by a donation, for information leading to an arrest. The reward prompted tips from the public that helped identify Dawn Lipford as the suspect.
Dawn Lipford now faces felony animal cruelty charges. In a Facebook post, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office thanked the community, saying, "Thank you to the entire Jacksonville community for coming together to seek justice for this dog. Our partnership with First Coast Crime Stoppers once again shows the power of community and law enforcement working together." The post emphasized, "We will not stand for animal cruelty."
