An 18-year-old Palm Coast man is facing a felony animal-cruelty charge after deputies say his puppy was found locked in a urine-soaked, unventilated garage and later died. The bluetick coonhound–Australian shepherd mix, nicknamed Sunset, was so emaciated that deputies attribute her death to organ failure brought on by prolonged starvation. The suspect remains in custody on felony animal-cruelty charges.
Deputies Describe Grim Discovery
Deputies say they were called to the Central Landings apartment complex on Sunset Boulevard on July 1 after a resident reported a severely malnourished dog locked inside a detached garage, according to FOX 35 Orlando. The charging affidavit states the dog was found lying in a puddle of her own urine with no food, no water, no light and no way to escape. She was transported to an animal hospital and died on July 4, the station reports.
Owner's Admission And Arrest
Flagler County investigators identified the owner as 18-year-old Chance Jones. According to the sheriff's office, Jones told deputies he had placed the puppy in the garage to hide her malnourished condition and admitted he fed her only every few weeks because he frequently traveled. Jones was booked into the Flagler County Inmate Facility and is being held on a $3,000 bond, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said.
Area Rescues Stretched Thin
The arrest comes on the heels of other neglect and seizure cases in the region this spring, with local outlets reporting that rescues have taken in dozens of animals during separate investigations. ClickOrlando has reported on earlier operations that left area shelters strained, and local nonprofit SMART Flagler is among the groups treating animals taken in by deputies.
Legal Implications
Under Florida law, aggravated animal cruelty, including acts or omissions that result in an animal’s cruel death, is a third-degree felony that is punishable under the state's statutes; see Florida Statutes Chapter 828. A third-degree felony can carry up to five years in prison and statutory fines under s. 775.082, so prosecutors may seek significant penalties if the case moves to trial.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing and is asking anyone with information to contact its public information office, with contact details listed on the department's website. Deputies say the case remains under review by investigators and the Flagler County State Attorney's Office as charges proceed.
