PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – A Putnam County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatcher lost her job after an employee discovered two deceased dogs in her former apartment, leading to her arrest on animal cruelty charges.
Brianna Allender, 22, was charged with animal cruelty and neglect. Sheriff Gator Deloach terminated her employment immediately following the arrest.
Deputies launched their investigation after an apartment complex employee made a grim discovery following Allender’s eviction. Two deceased dogs were found inside a single cage within a utility closet of the apartment.
Animal control officers determined both dogs had been dead for at least a month and died from starvation. Evidence suggested the dogs had attempted to eat each other, and two empty bowls were found in the cage.
Investigators identified one of the deceased animals as a Black Mouth Cur, while severe decomposition prevented identification of the second dog’s breed.
Allender, who had worked as a dispatcher for approximately one year, was on duty when deputies arrived at the sheriff’s office to take her into custody.
Investigators said Allender told them that she arranged for someone to remove the dogs while they were still alive, but according to the sheriff’s office, she wasn’t able to provide evidence of that claim.
“This situation deeply saddens me. As an avid dog lover, I cannot fathom the idea of someone abandoning their dogs,” Deloach said. “We are a family here at the sheriff’s office. We have a working relationship with Animal Control, and there are resources we could have provided if help had been requested. These animals should not have had to suffer.”
The animal cruelty charge Allender faces is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.