A grim discovery near Lake Hamilton has Polk County deputies asking the public for help after one dog was found dead and another injured along a rural roadside last Thursday.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the call for help came in at about 6:55 p.m. Deputies and animal-control officers arrived to find a brown male dog with white fur around its neck that was already deceased, and a second brown-and-white male dog with a neck laceration that animal-control staff treated at the scene. The investigation is being handled as PCSO case 26-8562, and detectives say they want to hear from anyone who saw or recorded anything in the area that evening.
CRIME: ANIMAL CRUELTY
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) March 3, 2026
CRIME SCENE: LAKE HAMILTON AREA
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 26-8562
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating an animal cruelty case that originated in the Lake Hamilton area.
On February 26, 2026, at around 6:55 pm, the PCSO was informed of… pic.twitter.com/tIvp6JmdrE
What deputies found at the scene
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies and a PCSO animal-control officer responded to the area next to Lake Hatchineha Road near Alford Road, west of Lake Hamilton. Investigators collected the deceased brown male dog with white fur around its neck as evidence.
The sheriff’s post adds that animal-control staff treated a second brown-and-white male dog that had a less severe neck laceration. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Bernthal at 863-534-7205 or by email at [email protected].
How to report tips
Heartland Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips by phone at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), through its website, or through the P3Tips mobile app. The organization notes that tipsters who provide information leading to an arrest or criminal charges may be eligible for a cash reward.
Legal context
Under Florida law, cruelty to animals can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, or, if the conduct causes a cruel death or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, as aggravated animal cruelty, which is a third-degree felony that may carry up to five years in prison and fines, according to the Florida Statutes.
The state also maintains a public registry for aggravated animal-cruelty convictions under "Dexter's Law." The registry is hosted and explained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, giving the public a way to look up people convicted under the law.
Polk's recent enforcement
Polk County has brought animal-cruelty cases to court before. In March 2024, the sheriff’s office announced felony charges after two Chihuahua-mix dogs were allegedly stabbed to death in Haines City, according to a Polk County Sheriff's Office news release. That case highlighted local law enforcement's focus on animal-welfare investigations and close work with animal-control staff.
Investigators say the Lake Hamilton case remains active and are asking anyone with video, photographs, or other information to contact Detective Bernthal, Heartland Crime Stoppers, or the PCSO nonemergency line. With Dexter's Law now in effect statewide, animal-cruelty convictions can follow offenders long after any prison term or fines end, and authorities say community tips are critical to holding abusers accountable. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
