Crime & Public Safety
Arrest in Winter Haven After Deputies Find Dead Donkey, Multiple Dead Cats and Hazardous Conditions
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 59-year-old Winter Haven woman after discovering a dead donkey, multiple deceased cats, and living animals in dire condition on her property.
Polk County Animal Control and Florida Department of Environmental Protection personnel first responded to reports of diseased and dead animals and an alleged chemical leak at a Logan Lane property earlier in the week. State officials reported seeing a dead donkey in the yard and deputies smelled decomposition coming from a trash can near the gate. Investigators noted dirt around the donkey consistent with thrashing and signs the animal experienced severe pain and distress before dying.
According to the affidavit, the suspect initially said the donkey had been alive when she went inside the house but later admitted the animal had been lying in the same spot since the previous weekend and she did not call a veterinarian, citing a "lack of time." Investigators reported finding multiple dead cats scattered across the yard, additional cats suffering from labored breathing, and as many as 10 to 15 dead cats inside a dumpster per the suspect’s statement. Officers documented open containers of stagnant water with insect larvae, several containers of antifreeze in the yard, unpermitted solid waste piles, a burn pit near a creek, and heavy fly and mosquito activity.
Detectives served a search warrant and removed a pony and two dogs in fair condition and seized five cats in extremely poor condition; those five cats later died, along with four dead cats and the deceased donkey. Polk County Sheriff’s Office booked the suspect on multiple felony and misdemeanor counts related to animal cruelty, maintaining a nuisance, operating an unpermitted solid waste site, and unauthorized possession of dairy cases, with additional charges pending necropsy results. Officials tested air and water quality and reported no evidence of a gas leak or hazardous chemical spill matching the suspect’s claims.
Current status: arrest and charges filed; necropsy results remain pending, and living animals seized are undergoing rehabilitation per deputies’ statements.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.