Deputies say a Tampa woman is facing felony charges after they walked into an East Tampa apartment and found two dogs so skinny their ribs, hips and spine were sticking out.
Authorities identified the woman as 38-year-old Bernice Smith. According to investigators, the animals were in her care when they were discovered during a welfare check, and she is now charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
A woman is being charged with aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation into the severe neglect of two dogs found in her care.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) July 28, 2026
On July 14, 2026, at 1:49 p.m., #teamHCSO responded to a call for service at an apartment located in the 800 block of East 120th Ave. While… pic.twitter.com/qG8rgm8sw0
What Deputies Say They Found
In a post on X, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to an apartment in the 800 block of East 120th Ave at 1:49 p.m. on July 14. When they went inside, they reported finding two dogs that were "extremely underweight and severely malnourished." The sheriff's office said the animals' ribs, hips and spinal bones were visibly protruding.
Deputies said the dogs were removed from the apartment and taken for medical treatment and further investigation. HCSO added that Smith was taken into custody days later.
The Charges And Florida Law
Aggravated animal cruelty in Florida is a third-degree felony, which can mean prison time and fines if there is a conviction. Courts can also prohibit a person from owning or caring for animals, according to the Florida statutes.
Prosecutors are allowed to file a separate count for each animal involved, and any sentence is decided under the state's Criminal Punishment Code.
Local Efforts And Where To Report Concerns
Hillsborough County's animal services team and the county pet resource center handle the seizure and care of animals in cruelty cases and walk residents through how to report suspected abuse or neglect. County officials direct people to an online portal for instructions, phone numbers and emergency contacts. For details on how to file a report, residents can check Hillsborough County's animal reporting page.
In May, in an unrelated Tampa case, a woman was arrested after deputies said a puppy died following a violent attack. That incident was part of the same broad push to crack down on cruelty, as reported by NBC 6 South Florida.
What Happens Next In Smith's Case
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Smith was arrested on July 27 on counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The agency did not list a court date in its social media post.
Prosecutors will decide whether to formally file the charges in circuit or county court. Anyone who may have additional information about the case is asked to contact the sheriff's office.
