MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says a widely circulated account alleging a puppy had been abused and nearly drowned by juveniles at a Middleburg boat ramp was fabricated, marking a dramatic turn in an investigation that drew widespread public attention across Northeast Florida.
During a live stream Monday morning, Sheriff Michelle Cook said detectives determined the allegations surrounding “Ghost,” a puppy reported in May to have been abused at the Main Street boat ramp, were false after an extensive investigation.
According to Cook, detectives spent “hundreds of hours” canvassing the area, interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence before concluding the account had been fabricated.
Instead, Cook said investigators determined the puppy had been voluntarily given to Zachary and Amber Manning by its owner after the couple expressed interest in adopting the dog.
Cook said the couple later admitted inventing the abuse story because their landlord prohibited pets and they hoped the allegations would generate sympathy and persuade the landlord to allow them to keep the puppy.
“We are working with the State Attorney’s Office now to hold them accountable for lying to law enforcement on a felony crime,” Cook said during Monday’s announcement.
The original report, made May 20, alleged several juveniles had abused and attempted to drown the puppy at the boat ramp. Cook said the Sheriff’s Office treated the allegations as a potential felony animal cruelty investigation, assigning detectives who spent weeks pursuing leads, interviewing witnesses and searching for surveillance video.
The investigation also determined Ghost did not die from drowning, Cook said. A veterinary autopsy concluded the puppy died of natural causes about a week after the allegations surfaced.
Cook said detectives interviewed the people who initially reported the alleged abuse and later confronted them after inconsistencies emerged during the investigation. According to the sheriff, the pair admitted to fabricating the story.
The sheriff also addressed a GoFundMe campaign created after the allegations gained widespread attention online. Cook said investigators determined the donated funds were used to pay for Ghost’s veterinary care.
Related: Read our original coverage of the Ghost investigation
Dog dies after alleged abuse at Middleburg boat ramp, deputies seek children involved
Read HomeFetch’s original reporting on the allegations that launched the investigation into Ghost’s death.
Cook thanked members of the public who provided tips during the investigation and Detective Winterstein, who led the case. She said the detective faced public criticism as investigators worked to determine what happened.
“I hate that I have to come to you on a Monday morning and tell you that people lied about a felony dog abuse case, but it is what it is,” Cook said.
HomeFetch submitted a public records request seeking the investigative file and reached out to the State Attorney’s Office regarding the status of any potential criminal charges. A spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office said the matter is “under review” and that the office will provide an update if one becomes available.
HomeFetch also contacted Zachary and Amber Manning by phone, voicemail and text message seeking comment but did not receive a response before publication.
This story will be updated if additional information becomes available.
