BUNNELL, Fla. – A 21-year-old Palm Coast woman was arrested on Sunday after Bunnell Police Department officers found two dead Labrador retrievers inside a storage unit.
Investigators say the dogs, 5-year-old Ava and 2-year-old Karma, had been confined without enough food, water, exercise, ventilation, or effective cooling, leading to two counts each of aggravated animal cruelty and confinement or abandonment of animals.
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Police said that around 9:45 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a storage facility on East Court Street in Bunnell after a tenant reported a strong, foul odor coming from one of the units.
The tenant told the officer dog noises could normally be heard from inside, but none were heard that morning.
The facility owner helped officers contact the unit’s renter, identified as the 21-year-old Palm Coast woman. She came to the facility, unlocked the unit and told officers she kept two dogs inside.
Officers found a floor covered with dog feces, trash, and debris when she opened the unit. A portable cooling unit appeared to be running but produced no cool air, and officers reported the unit’s interior felt no cooler than the outside temperature.
The heat index was approximately 96 degrees. Officers also found no water in the dogs’ dishes.
The officers found two dead female black Labrador retrievers: Ava, 5, and Karma, 2. Karma was found on the floor near a door, while Ava’s remains had been placed inside a black plastic bag.
The woman told officers she found Ava dead earlier in the week, placed her into a plastic bag, and left her remains inside the unit. She said she last checked on Karma on Friday and left food and water at that time.
Flagler Animal Services responded to assist and reported that an animal control officer previously contacted the woman on March 19 and warned her not to house animals overnight in the storage unit.
The woman’s bond was set at $6,000.00.
“This is a disgusting case of animal cruelty, and these dogs died in a condition no animal should ever face,” said Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon. “Animals depend entirely upon their owners for food, clean water, safe shelter, exercise, medical attention, and protection from dangerous conditions. Owning an animal carries a serious responsibility—one no person can ignore or set aside when providing care becomes difficult. Animal cruelty has no place in Bunnell, and our department maintains zero tolerance for anyone who abuses, neglects, or abandons an animal. When someone violates this fundamental duty and causes suffering or death, our officers will investigate thoroughly, follow the evidence, and relentlessly pursue full accountability under Florida law.”
Community Reminder
Anyone who witnesses an animal in immediate danger should call 911. Residents may report suspected animal cruelty or neglect to the Bunnell Police Department at (386) 437-7508.