Jacksonville animal advocates are reeling after a large blue and white male dog, later nicknamed “Manatee” by investigators, was found critically wounded along the roadside near Blanding Boulevard and Argyle Forest on June 26. Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) said the dog arrived at their facility wrapped in a shower curtain and, because of the extent of his injuries, had to be humanely euthanized.
According to News4JAX, Manatee was brought in around 5:30 p.m., after a caller spotted him actively bleeding by the side of the road. ACPS reported that he was wearing a metal chain collar but had no microchip or ID tags, so the responding officer gave him the name “Manatee.”
Veterinarians documented multiple stab wounds, blunt force trauma to the chest and paralysis in his back legs. They said the pattern of injuries appeared consistent with someone standing over the dog and stabbing him repeatedly. “If you have any information about Manatee or the circumstances surrounding his injuries, please come forward. NO DETAIL IS TOO SMALL,” ACPS said in a statement reported by News4JAX.
How to report tips
ACPS and law enforcement are asking anyone who might know something to submit tips through First Coast Crime Stoppers, which accepts secure, anonymous reports by phone, app or web. Visit First Coast Crime Stoppers for details on how tips are submitted and reviewed.
City officials note that non‑emergency reports can also be made through MyJax by calling 630‑CITY (904‑630‑2489) or by visiting the ACPS facility in person, as listed on the Animal Care and Protective Services contact page. ACPS investigators say even small details, like a specific time, a vehicle description or anyone seen discarding a shower curtain or chain collar, could prove important.
ACPS, Crime Stoppers and past cases
Jacksonville agencies have leaned on community tips before. In November 2025, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said tips sent through First Coast Crime Stoppers helped identify a suspect after a severely neglected Great Dane was found on the roadside. The sheriff’s office credited the tip line and public leads with moving that investigation forward and leading to an arrest. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the community response generated actionable leads for investigators.
Legal implications
Under Florida law, intentionally causing an animal’s cruel death or inflicting repeated unnecessary pain can be prosecuted as aggravated animal cruelty, a third‑degree felony under Chapter 828 of the state statutes. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, prosecutors could pursue felony cruelty charges, with penalties set by state sentencing guidelines, according to the Florida Senate.
What to watch for
ACPS and partner agencies are asking residents to review any door‑cam or dash‑cam footage and to report sightings of a wounded dog or suspicious activity near Blanding Boulevard and Argyle Forest in late June. Tips can be submitted anonymously through First Coast Crime Stoppers or reported via MyJax by calling 630‑CITY (904‑630‑2489).
