# HomeFetch

> The fine print of living with a dog.


## Posts

- [36 dogs removed from Putnam County home after reports of deadly attacks](https://homefetch.co/36-dogs-removed-from-putnam-county-home/): Neighbors reported years of complaints, repeated attacks and aggressive animals escaping the property and chasing people down the street.
- [New Smyrna Beach dog daycare owner arrested on video voyeurism charges](https://homefetch.co/new-smyrna-beach-dog-daycare-owner-video-voyeurism/): Employees discovered a hidden camera inside a New Smyrna Beach doggy daycare restroom, leading to 21 video voyeurism charges Monday.
- [Miami man sentenced in Flagler County U-Haul animal cruelty case](https://homefetch.co/miami-man-sentenced-flagler-u-haul-animal-cruelty/): The man at the center of a Flagler County animal cruelty investigation that gained widespread attention on social media has now been sentenced. Angel Valdes, 70, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals in a Flagler County court Wednesday. His adjudication was withheld, and he was sentenced to 12 months of probation with community service, an animal cruelty program and is prohibited from owning or possessing animals. Valdes and his son, Roy Valdes Hernandez, 35, were each arrested and charged with tormenting, depriving, mutilating or killing an animal on July 9, accused of leaving two dogs — an […]
- [Rabies alert issued in St. Augustine after positive wildlife case](https://homefetch.co/st-augustine-rabies-alert-aug-2026/): Rabies can spread from wildlife to dogs, making vaccination and avoiding contact with wild animals critical to keeping pets safe.
- [Palm Coast weighs turning animal control over to Flagler County](https://homefetch.co/palm-coast-weighs-turning-animal-control-over-to-flagler-county/): Palm Coast officials are considering transferring the city’s animal control operation to Flagler County as they explore consolidating local services.
- [Palm Coast, Flagler County advance plans for second animal shelter](https://homefetch.co/palm-coast-flagler-animal-shelter-plans-advance/): Palm Coast and Flagler County officials are advancing plans for a new animal shelter as questions over its development remain.
- [Dolly Parton's love of dogs left a legacy of its own](https://homefetch.co/dolly-partons-love-of-dogs-left-a-legacy-of-its-own/): Dolly Parton’s love of dogs stretched from her East Tennessee childhood to her music, philanthropy and Doggy Parton pet brand.
- [Jacksonville man charged after mother dog, 3 puppies found abandoned in home](https://homefetch.co/four-dogs-abandoned-in-jacksonville-home/): Pearson allegedly knew the dogs had been left without care for two weeks but did not seek help, investigators said.
- [Palm Coast Woman Arrested After Allegedly Abandoning Dog, Cat Following Eviction](https://homefetch.co/palm-coast-woman-accused-abandoning-dogs-cats-eviction/): Deputies found the animals without water or air conditioning. The cat was later euthanized after veterinarians found serious health problems.
- [Fernandina Beach Coast Guard K9 competes for 2026 Hero Dog Award](https://homefetch.co/fernandina-beach-coast-guard-k9-hero-dog-award/): A Fernandina Beach Coast Guard K9 who has worked major security events and the Jan. 2025 New Orleans terror attack response is competing for a 2026 Hero Dog Award.
- [Middleburg man accused of binding, strangling girlfriend’s dog in recorded attack](https://homefetch.co/middleburg-dog-strangling-caught-on-video/): A Middleburg man faces felony animal cruelty charges after videos allegedly showed him binding and strangling his girlfriend’s Chiweenie, Nina.
- [How pet-friendly is Jacksonville? See where the city ranks nationwide](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-pet-friendly-cities-2026-ranking/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville landed in the middle of the pack in a new ranking of the most pet-friendly cities in the country. Coming in at No. 54 among the 100 largest U.S. cities, Jacksonville was evaluated as part of WalletHub’s 2026 Most Pet-Friendly Cities study using 23 metrics tied to pet ownership costs, access to care and outdoor amenities. WalletHub grouped the metrics into three categories: pet budget, pet health and wellness and outdoor pet-friendliness. The measures included veterinary costs, pet insurance premiums, pet care providers, animal shelters, veterinarians, pet-friendly businesses, dog parks, walkability and weather, among other factors. Jacksonville […]
- [Jacksonville man convicted of dogfighting, animal cruelty charges, faces 65 years in prison](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-dogfighting-case-65-years/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man accused of keeping nine dogs in poor conditions and using two properties for dogfighting has been convicted of multiple animal fighting and cruelty charges and now faces up to 65 years in state prison. A Duval County jury on Thursday found Marquis Lamont Williams guilty of three counts of fighting or baiting animals and nine counts of animal cruelty, as well as possession of a controlled substance, illegally possessing or capturing an alligator or other crocodilian and possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, according to the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial […]
- [Jacksonville animal welfare advocates file federal lawsuit against City of Jacksonville, ACPS chief](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-acps-lawsuit/): Two animal welfare advocates filed a federal lawsuit against Jacksonville and its ACPS chief, alleging First Amendment violations, failure to comply with a prior settlement and unlawful public records practices.
- [FDA recalls two lots of Adequan Canine arthritis injections nationwide](https://homefetch.co/adequan-canine-recall/): Dog owners are being urged to check their pet’s arthritis medication after a nationwide recall was issued for two lots of Adequan Canine Injection because of the potential presence of glass fibers. American Regent Inc. Animal Health announced the recall after glass fibers were found during testing of internally retained samples of the prescription medication, according to a notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Adequan Canine is a prescription injectable medication used to treat noninfectious degenerative or traumatic joint dysfunction in dogs. The drug is administered by or under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, though some pet […]
- [Jacksonville Beach advances ordinance to bar animal cruelty offenders from Paws Dog Park](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-beach-dog-park-animal-cruelty-ordinance/): Jacksonville Beach has advanced a proposed ordinance that would allow the city to deny, suspend or revoke Paws Dog Park memberships for people convicted of, or under investigation for, animal cruelty offenses. The measure now heads to a second reading before the City Council.
- [Palatka man arrested after puppies found in trash can, neglected dogs discovered inside home](https://homefetch.co/palatka-dog-cruelty-case-leaves-puppy-dead/): A Palatka man was arrested Sunday after police said they found two puppies discarded in a trash can, one of which had already been taken away by the garbage truck, while investigators discovered several other severely neglected dogs inside a home covered in feces. Eric Milton Kitzweger, 65, faces four felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty following the investigation at his Husson Avenue residence, according to a Palatka Police Department arrest report. Police said Putnam County Animal Control was called to the home after receiving a report that two puppies had been left in […]
- [Jacksonville dogfighting case ends with guilty plea, prison sentence](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-dogfighting-case-guilty-plea/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man accused of operating a dogfighting operation has been sentenced more than four years after investigators seized nine dogs from his property and alleged they found evidence of organized dogfighting. Steven Andre Hoskins, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of fighting or baiting animals as part of a negotiated plea agreement that dismissed three other charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, according to Duval County court records. The State Attorney’s Office said the plea was negotiated alongside a separate state drug case, resulting in a combined five-year sentence in Florida state prison. In the dogfighting case, the […]
- [Clay sheriff says Middleburg puppy abuse story was fabricated; couple could face charges](https://homefetch.co/middleburg-puppy-abuse-story-fabricated/): Clay County authorities say a viral puppy abuse report was fabricated after detectives spent hundreds of hours investigating the case.
- [New records reveal what investigators learned after burned Jacksonville dog found](https://homefetch.co/new-records-burned-jacksonville-dog-talia/): Newly obtained investigative records reveal what authorities have learned since Talia, a dog found with severe burns over the Fourth of July weekend, was rescued in Jacksonville. The records provide new details about her injuries, the joint investigation and her ongoing recovery as she searches for a foster home.
- [Deputies seek public's help after dog abandoned outside Jacksonville church](https://homefetch.co/dog-abandoned-outside-jacksonville-church/): The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying the person responsible for abandoning a severely malnourished dog outside a Jacksonville church earlier this month. According to the Sheriff’s Office, surveillance video shows a silver SUV pulling into a parking space at a church off Philips Highway on July 1. Investigators said someone removed a crate containing the dog, left it in the church parking lot before driving away. The dog remained there for three days before a church employee discovered it, according to JSO. Investigators said the dog had been left without food or water and was covered […]
- [Police say video shows DeLand man swinging dog by collar, throwing it to ground](https://homefetch.co/deland-dog-abuse-video-shows-man-swinging-dog/): A DeLand man was arrested Saturday after police said surveillance video showed him grabbing his dog by the collar, swinging the animal through the air before throwing it to the ground. Christopher Arthur Whitley, 45, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Investigators also charged him with violating a protection order after reviewing the same video during an unrelated investigation, according to the DeLand Police Department. According to an arrest affidavit, officers responded to a home in the 800 block of South Hill Avenue around 6:49 p.m. Saturday for a civil complaint involving an alleged protection order violation. While speaking with a […]
- [DoorDash driver's call leads to rescue of nursing dog, 8 puppies from 97-degree garage](https://homefetch.co/palm-coast-animal-cruelty-nursing-dog-puppies-garage/): A routine DoorDash delivery in Palm Coast ended with the rescue of a nursing dog and eight puppies after a driver alerted authorities to concerning conditions inside a home, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
- [New Smyrna Beach dog neglect case sparked by Facebook post ends in no contest plea](https://homefetch.co/new-smyrna-beach-animal-cruelty-plea/): A New Smyrna Beach woman has pleaded no contest to felony animal cruelty after police said her dog was found severely emaciated and neglected. A judge adjudicated her guilty, sentenced her to probation and barred her from owning animals while the dog, Olive, continues her remarkable recovery.
- [When Waiting Is the Journey: A Shelter Dog's Five-Year Wait for Adoption](https://homefetch.co/when-waiting-is-the-journey-safe-pet-rescue/): Journey has spent nearly five years at S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue in Hollister, Fla. HomeFetch spent a day with her outside the shelter to answer a simple question: Why was she still there?
- [Palm Coast dog trainer arrested after 2 dogs found dead in storage unit](https://homefetch.co/2-dogs-found-dead-in-storage-unit-palm-coast-woman-arrested/): A 21-year-old Palm Coast dog trainer was arrested after police found two dead Labrador retrievers inside a storage unit. Alexia Veronica Barquet faces felony animal cruelty charges after investigators said the dogs were left without adequate food, water or ventilation.
- [Great Dane animal cruelty case heads to sentencing after guilty plea](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-great-dane-animal-cruelty-case-guilty-plea/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The woman charged with aggravated animal cruelty after her Great Dane, Miracle, was found severely malnourished along a Jacksonville roadway last year, changed her plea Wednesday from not guilty to guilty, according to Duval County court records. Dawn Lipford, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, after her dog, Oak — later renamed Miracle by staff at Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services — was found emaciated last year. The case drew widespread public attention after ACPS shared photos of Miracle on social media while First Coast Crime Stoppers offered an $8,000 […]
- [2 Miami men arrested after dogs found trapped in sweltering U-Haul in Flagler County](https://homefetch.co/miami-men-arrested-after-dogs-found-in-u-haul/): Two Miami men were arrested after Flagler County deputies rescued two dogs and two pigeons from the enclosed cargo area of a U-Haul during 102-degree temperatures. Authorities said the animals were in distress, and the dogs required emergency veterinary care after being found unable to stand inside the truck.
- [Heartworm treatment to continue after nonprofit pauses Red Folder program, ACPS says](https://homefetch.co/acps-heartworm-treatment-funding-paused/): Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from Friends of Jacksonville Animals and Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services clarifying that the funding pause applies only to the Red Folder post-adoption heartworm assistance program. ACPS says heartworm-positive dogs will continue receiving treatment in the shelter. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services says dogs with heartworm could spend more time at the shelter after a local nonprofit paused funding for a treatment program that helped cover the cost of their care. In a Facebook post Thursday evening, ACPS said Friends of Jacksonville Animals had paused funding […]
- [18-year-old arrested after rescued Flagler County puppy dies, deputies say](https://homefetch.co/flagler-county-puppy-death-arrest-sunset/): An 18-year-old Palm Coast man has been arrested after a rescued puppy later named Sunset died from starvation, according to investigators. Deputies say the severely malnourished dog was found in a detached garage before being rushed to emergency care. Jones now faces felony animal cruelty charges.
- [Pedigree recalls canned dog food sold nationwide over contamination risk](https://homefetch.co/pedigree-canned-dog-food-recall/): Mars Petcare US, Inc., the maker of Pedigree dog food, has voluntarily recalled two lots of Pedigree Chopped Ground Dinner With Chicken & Duck High Protein canned dog food after the products were found to pose a risk of metal and plastic contamination. The recall affects products distributed nationwide. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the affected lots were intended to be destroyed after failing the company’s quality standards but were instead diverted from a third-party facility and distributed to retailers. No injuries or illnesses have been reported as of the recall announcement. Related: Pet food recalls Pet food […]
- [Two men charged in St. Johns County dog dumping that led to recovery of 74 dogs](https://homefetch.co/st-johns-county-dog-dumping-arrests/): ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Two Flagler County men have been arrested and charged in connection with the abandonment of 23 dogs along a roadside in St. Johns County, a case that has ultimately led investigators to a Palm Coast home where dozens more neglected dogs were found. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that Austin Moore, 32, and Anthony Dunham 23, have been charged in connection with the case following a joint investigation with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Both men were arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on the St. Johns County charges. According to investigators, […]
- [Jacksonville animal control seeks tips after dog found with multiple stab wounds](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-dog-stabbing-acps-seeks-tips/): Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services is asking for the public's help after a dog found wrapped in a shower curtain with multiple stab wounds died from his injuries. Investigators are working to identify the dog and determine who was responsible.
- [Three new Florida laws taking effect today could change how you buy, care for and protect your dog](https://homefetch.co/florida-dog-laws-july-1-2026/): A handful of new Florida laws taking effect today could affect dog owners, from buying a puppy to visiting the veterinarian’s office. HomeFetch broke down the three new laws most relevant to dog owners. Here’s what changed and what it means for you (and your dog). New protections for people buying dogs and cats The most significant change for pet owners comes through SB 1004, which expands Florida’s consumer protections for people who purchase dogs and cats from pet dealers. Under Florida law, “pet dealers” include pet stores and certain higher-volume breeders that sell dogs and cats directly to consumers. Starting […]
- [Dog case in New Mexico prompts Florida to expand screwworm restrictions](https://homefetch.co/new-world-screwworm-florida-rescue-pet-restrictions/): Florida has barred rescue and shelter dogs and cats from entering the state under expanded restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of New World screwworm. The restrictions apply to rescue and shelter animals originating from areas covered by the state’s emergency rule, which was expanded after additional screwworm cases were confirmed in Texas and New Mexico. Florida has not reported any cases of New World screwworm. State officials said the updated restrictions are intended to keep the parasite from entering the state as cases continue to emerge elsewhere in the country. The move could affect rescue groups that routinely transport dogs […]
- [Dog dies after alleged abuse at Middleburg boat ramp, deputies seek children involved](https://homefetch.co/middleburg-dog-abuse-investigation-launched-deputies-seek-children/): Clay County deputies are asking for the public’s help identifying several children accused of abusing a Chihuahua mix at a Middleburg boat ramp. Witnesses intervened, but the animal later died from its injuries. Investigators are seeking information from anyone who recognizes the children or knows what happened.
- [Pet food recall expanded to Florida over potentially low vitamin B1 levels](https://homefetch.co/steves-real-food-freeze-dried-chicken-recipe-recall/): Florida pet owners are being urged to check their pet food after a voluntary recall was expanded to include an additional lot of freeze-dried pet food due to potentially low levels of thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Go Raw LLC has expanded its recall to include one lot of Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe after testing found potentially low levels of the essential nutrient. Florida is among the affected states included in the expansion. The newly recalled product is sold in a 1.25-pound bag and is marked with lot code C26022 […]
- [8-week-old puppy found in 103-degree sailboat cabin prompts animal cruelty case](https://homefetch.co/puppy-rescued-from-sailboat-green-cove-springs/): GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — An 8-week-old puppy is safe and receiving care after Green Cove Springs police discovered the dog confined inside a sailboat during an investigation last week, according to police records obtained by HomeFetch. The puppy was found June 1 after officers responded to information about firearms allegedly being kept aboard a sailboat near the city boat ramp. Police boarded the vessel with the owner’s consent and conducted a search, according to an incident report. During the investigation, officers found the puppy confined inside the hull of the sailboat, leading to a separate animal cruelty investigation. Investigators estimated […]
- [Could animal cruelty be a warning sign for future violence? Congress wants answers](https://homefetch.co/animal-cruelty-and-violent-crime-congress-bill/): A Florida congressman is backing bipartisan legislation that would direct the U.S. Department of Justice to examine the relationship between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida joined other lawmakers in introducing the Animal Violence Exposes Real Threat of (AVERT) Future Violence Act. If enacted, the legislation would require the Justice Department to compile existing research on the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, identify gaps in available data and report its findings to Congress. The Animal Welfare Institute, one of several organizations supporting the bill, said the legislation could help pull decades of research into […]
- [Clay County woman faces animal cruelty charge after dog left in hot car](https://homefetch.co/clay-county-woman-charged-dog-left-in-car/): CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A Clay County woman is facing an animal cruelty charge after deputies said a dog was left inside a hot vehicle outside an Orange Park restaurant over Memorial Day weekend. According to a Clay County Sheriff’s Office report, deputies responded around 6:30 p.m. on May 25 to Texas Roadhouse on Blanding Boulevard after receiving an animal complaint. Deputies located a dog inside a vehicle and requested assistance from the agency’s K-9 unit, according to the report. Using a laser temperature reader, a K-9 deputy measured the vehicle’s interior at 99 degrees and the dog’s temperature at 104 […]
- ['There's two dogs upstairs': Yulee house fire turns into dramatic rescue](https://homefetch.co/yulee-house-fire-sparks-dramatic-rescue/): Nassau County deputies are being credited with rescuing a Yulee homeowner and helping save two trapped dogs after spotting a house fire while responding to an unrelated call. Newly released body camera video captures the dramatic rescue as first responders rush into action and bring everyone to safety.
- [Nassau County dog trapped in vehicle offers Pet Preparedness Month reminder](https://homefetch.co/pet-preparedness-month-nassau-dog-trapped-in-car/): A Nassau County woman recently found herself in a situation many dog owners dread after accidentally locking her keys inside her vehicle with her dog. The dog was safely rescued by deputies and was not injured, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. The incident comes as June marks National Pet Preparedness Month and as Florida enters its hottest months of the year. “Even on days that don’t feel extremely hot, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become dangerous for pets in a matter of minutes,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said in a Facebook post. The incident raises a question […]
- [Florida lawmaker wants national database of convicted animal abusers](https://homefetch.co/national-animal-cruelty-database-fl-congressman/): U.S. Rep. Greg Steube of Florida has introduced legislation that would require states to report felony animal cruelty convictions to the federal government and create a publicly accessible national database of convicted offenders. The proposal, known as the Law Enforcement Animal Safety and Harm Reporting Act of 2026, or LEASH Act, would direct the U.S. Department of Justice to establish and maintain a database containing information on individuals convicted of felony animal cruelty offenses under state law. The proposal shares similarities with Florida’s aggravated animal cruelty offender registry, which became publicly accessible Jan. 1 under legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis […]
- [Clay County man among 3 indicted in federal dog-fighting case](https://homefetch.co/clay-county-man-indicted-north-florida-dog-fighting-case/): CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A Clay County man is among three North Florida men indicted in a federal dog-fighting case that stemmed from a multi-agency investigation into alleged dog-fighting activity. Federal prosecutors announced Friday that Anthony Crosby, 42, of Clay County, along with Union County residents Drew Geer, 42, and Leroy Halbert, 53, were charged in connection with the alleged operation. The charges stem from a Dec. 10, 2025, investigation that prompted search warrants at two Lake Butler properties. The Union County Sheriff’s Office said more than 40 dogs were rescued during the searches. According to federal court records, Crosby, Geer […]
- [Jacksonville had more dog attacks on mail carriers than any Florida city](https://homefetch.co/dog-attacks-on-postal-workers-in-jacksonville/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville ranked as Florida’s highest-ranked city on the U.S. Postal Service’s latest list of dog attacks on mail carriers, recording 19 incidents and placing No. 29 nationally in 2025. Miami was the only other Florida city to appear on the list, ranking No. 31 with 16 incidents. Florida ranked seventh among states with 183 reported attacks. The rankings, released annually by USPS ahead of Dog Bite Awareness Month on June 1, compared dog bite incidents involving postal workers across 33 cities and 10 states in 2025. Although both the national and Florida totals declined slightly, the latest data […]
- [More than a year after a boy was killed by dogs in DeLand, the case is finally moving toward trial](https://homefetch.co/volusia-dog-mauling-case-moves-closer-to-trial/): The criminal case tied to the fatal mauling of an 8-year-old DeLand boy is moving closer to trial more than a year after investigators alleged the dogs involved had repeatedly escaped before the deadly attack. A Volusia County judge set new deadlines this week for prosecutors and defense attorneys to exchange evidence as the case against Amanda Bailey Franco and Brandy Hodil continues moving through pretrial proceedings, according to court records reviewed by HomeFetch. Prosecutors must turn over their evidence to the defense by Aug. 14, while defense attorneys have until Sept. 16 to provide evidence to the state. The two […]
- [Clay County issues Duck Creek algae alert with warning for pet owners](https://homefetch.co/clay-county-blue-green-algae-alert-issued-duck-creek/): CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Dog owners in Clay County are being warned to keep their pets away from Duck Creek after local health officials detected harmful blue-green algae toxins in the water this week. The advisory was issued after a water sample collected from the creek on May 20 tested positive for the algae, according to the Florida Department of Health in Clay County. Officials said the public should “exercise caution in and around Duck Creek,” which empties into the southwest section of Doctor’s Lake. The advisory urges residents and visitors not to swim, wade or otherise come into contact with […]
- [A veteran came to Jacksonville to help his son move. Now his service dog is missing](https://homefetch.co/iowa-veteran-missing-service-dog-in-jacksonville/): UPDATE: Mal’i, the service dog belonging to an Iowa veteran who disappeared in Jacksonville earlier this week, was found safe just after midnight after a tip led searchers to her location, according to her owners. In a Facebook post announcing the recovery, the family thanked the Jacksonville community for helping bring the dog home. “This was a team effort,” the family wrote. “This would not have been possible without each and everyone.” The Bakers said they plan to keep Mal’i in Jacksonville for now while she undergoes a full veterinary evaluation. They also said they hope to give members of the […]
- [Jacksonville man charged with manslaughter nearly 2 years after fatal dog attack](https://homefetch.co/jacksonville-dog-attack-manslaughter-charge-2-years-later/): JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man has been charged with manslaughter nearly two years after investigators say repeated negligence involving multiple dogs led to a deadly attack in the city’s Westside. Investigators say 62-year-old Melvyn Souffrount’s “multiple and repeated negligent actions” contributed to the death of 59-year-old Ronald Coffman, a veteran who was fatally mauled in August 2024, according to a press release from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. In the early morning hours of Aug. 31, 2024, officers responded to Ricker Road after receiving a report of a dog attack. When they arrived, they found Coffman suffering from severe bite injuries. […]
- ['Absolutely atrocious': Putnam County man arrested after dog found with chain embedded in neck](https://homefetch.co/putnam-county-man-arrested-dog-chain-in-neck/): A Putnam County man was arrested Thursday on felony animal cruelty charges after deputies said they found five dogs living in “deplorable conditions” at a residence in Palatka, including one dog with a chain embedded in her neck. Marcel Plowden, 40, was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and five counts of animal abandonment during a state of emergency, also known as Trooper’s Law, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Florida remains under a state of emergency related to wildfires affecting parts of the state, which triggered the Trooper’s Law-related charges in the case. The agency said it […]
- [DeSantis signs new laws affecting animal cruelty cases, breeders, pet buyers](https://homefetch.co/desantis-signs-florida-animal-cruelty-bill-pet-sale-protections/): Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two animal welfare bills into law on Tuesday, including measures aimed at increasing penalties for animal cruelty offenses and expanding consumer protections involving the sale of dogs and cats in Florida. DeSantis signed HB 559 and SB 1004 during a press conference at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee, alongside Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie Griffin, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Big Dog Ranch Rescue founder and CEO Laurie Simmons. HB 559 creates new felony offenses for adults who involve minors in aggravated animal cruelty, animal fighting or baiting offenses, or […]
- [Three new animal hospitals are planned for St. Johns County](https://homefetch.co/new-st-augustine-animal-hospitals-coming/): ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Three veterinary projects appear to be moving forward in St. Johns County, according to county building permit records and company websites. Two of the projects are tied to Livewell Animal Hospital. One future hospital is planned at 3735 Longleaf Pine Parkway, Suite 218, in the Shoppes of Aberdeen shopping center in Fruit Cove. A second Livewell location is planned at 2781 State Road 16 near the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. St. Johns County permit records show one of the Livewell projects is valued at approximately $1.2 million. County records show the permit for the Longleaf Pine […]
- [Hurricane Season Is Coming. Here’s What Northeast Florida Pet Owners Need to Know](https://homefetch.co/hurricane-safety-for-dogs-northeast-florida/): ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — As hurricane season nears, emergency officials in Northeast Florida are urging residents to make sure their disaster plans include pets before storms, wildfires or other emergencies force families to leave home quickly. The reminder comes before the June 1 start of hurricane season and after recent wildfire activity in the region highlighted how quickly conditions can change. Emergency officials said pet owners should decide ahead of time where they would go with animals during an evacuation, how they would transport them and what supplies they would need if they could not return home right away. That planning […]
- [FDA Announces Nationwide Dog Food Recall Over Salmonella Risk](https://homefetch.co/dog-food-recall-issued-nationwide-salmonella-risk/): A nationwide recall has been issued for a raw dog food product due to potential Salmonella contamination, according to a recall notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Albright’s Raw Pet Food is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Chicken Recipe for Dogs Complete and Balanced product, which was sold in 1-pound frozen bricks. The recall applies to products marked with lot code C001730 and a best-by date of April 28, 2027, according to the notice. The recalled product was distributed directly to consumers nationwide through online sales and to a small number of select retail stores in Massachusetts, […]
- [Man Convicted in Animal Cruelty Case That Inspired Dexter’s Law Back in Jail](https://homefetch.co/florida-man-in-dexters-law-case-back-in-jail/): The man convicted in the killing of Dexter, the shelter dog whose death helped inspire Florida’s “Dexter’s Law,” has been ordered back to jail after a court directed him to serve his previous sentence, according to Pinellas County court records. Pinellas County court records show Domingo Rodriguez was remanded back into custody on May 6. A separate docket entry states the “defendant to serve previous sentence.” Rodriguez had previously been released on bond while appealing his conviction in the high-profile animal cruelty case. Court records show he was released on bond in February 2025 and later granted a $50,000 supersedeas bond […]
- [Dog Seen Thrown Across Tampa Street in Viral Cruelty Video Has Died](https://homefetch.co/dog-seen-thrown-across-tampa-street-dies/): A Maltese at the center of a high-profile Tampa animal cruelty case has died from its injuries, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The agency announced Wednesday that the dog, named Benjamin, died despite “extensive lifesaving efforts” from veterinary staff at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center. “This heartbreaking outcome is devastating for everyone who followed Benjamin’s fight to survive,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Our hearts are with the veterinary team and all those who cared for him in his final days.” Benjamin had become the focus of widespread outrage after authorities said Real Time Crime Center […]
- [About 30 Chihuahuas Found Dumped on Side of Road, Flagler County Rescue Says](https://homefetch.co/30-chihuahuas-dumped-in-flagler-county/): A Flagler County rescue group says it is caring for 14 Chihuahuas after roughly 30 were dumped along a dark stretch of road in the area, leaving several dead, others sick or injured and some still unaccounted for. Volunteers with Saving Missing Animals Response Team Dog Rescue, known as SMART, found the dogs Monday night along a remote roadway with no cameras or nearby homes, according to the group’s Facebook post. By the time rescuers found them, several had already been hit by passing cars and killed. “All were flea-ridden, dirty, covered in feces and urine, battling infections, and some very […]
- [Florida Dog Missing 12 Years Reunites With Owner After Microchip Scan](https://homefetch.co/florida-dog-missing-12-years-reunites-owner-microchip-scan/): A 13-year-old husky named Sierra is back with her owner after turning up as a stray in Florida, more than a decade after she disappeared.
- [Clay County Dog Festival This Weekend to Feature Adoptable Pets, Food Trucks](https://homefetch.co/clay-county-dog-festival-green-cove-springs/): GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Hot diggity dog: Clay County is getting a dog festival this weekend. Clay County Animal Services and Clay County Parks and Recreation will host the Hot Diggity Dog Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park in Green Cove Springs. The event will include food trucks, vendors, dog products, paw painting, a bandanna contest and adoptable dogs from Clay County Animal Services, according to an event flyer. The festival is open to families and dog owners. Details are available through Clay County Animal Services.
- [Florida woman accused of throwing dog on camera faces 6 animal cruelty charges](https://homefetch.co/florida-woman-accused-throwing-dog-animal-cruelty-charges/): A Hillsborough County woman is in jail after deputies say she was caught on a public safety surveillance camera violently abusing a dog. On April 30, a Hillsborough County sheriff’s operator monitoring Real Time Crime Center cameras saw Imania Davis, 33, near the 1100 block of East 127th Avenue, according to the agency. The video shows Davis walking out of an apartment complex and throwing the dog “almost over 10 feet” into a paved parking area, according to the sheriff’s office. When the dog ran back toward her, the video appears to show Davis kicking and striking the dog again before […]
- [Service dog finds washed-up marijuana bale on Jacksonville Beach](https://homefetch.co/service-dog-finds-marijuana-bale-jacksonville-beach/): A retired narcotics dog alerted its owner to a washed-up marijuana bale, known as “square grouper,” during a beach walk in Jacksonville.
- [44 dogs, dead animals found in Palm Coast home after child neglect arrest](https://homefetch.co/44-dogs-found-in-palm-coast-home-child-neglect-arrest/): ‎ ‎ ‎ 
- [Adoptable pets, local art take over Lakeside Park in St. Augustine this weekend](https://homefetch.co/st-augustine-beach-art-bark-in-the-park/): ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ 
- [91 Florida shelters reached no-kill status as Florida saved 283,000 pets, report says](https://homefetch.co/florida-no-kill-shelters-2025-report/): A new report from Best Friends Animal Society shows Florida animal shelters continued making progress toward no-kill status in 2025, including through adoption efforts in the Jacksonville area. The organization’s latest data shows Florida shelters saved roughly 283,000 pets last year, with about 85% of animals entering shelters making it out alive, even as intake pressures increased. This included an 86% save rate for dogs, according to the report. About 20,000 pets were killed in Florida shelters in 2025, a figure that remained steady compared with 2024, according to the report. The organization said the numbers reflect the ongoing work of […]
- [Florida family says AI-generated image was used in missing dog scam attempt](https://homefetch.co/missing-dog-scam-deltona-family-ai/): A Deltona family is warning other pet owners after nearly falling victim to what they described as an AI-driven scam after their dog went missing.
- [Heartworm is spreading beyond the Southeast, but many dogs remain unprotected](https://homefetch.co/heartworm-risk-expands-as-prevention-gaps-persist/): New data show the disease remains concentrated in the Southeast while spreading into new parts of the country, even as veterinarians warn too many dogs still are not consistently protected.
- [Medications lead dog poisoning calls as Poison Prevention Week begins](https://homefetch.co/national-poison-prevention-week-dog-poisoning/): On any given day, the phones at pet poison hotlines ring with a familiar story. A dog got into a bottle of painkillers. A puppy chewed through a blister pack of pills. A dropped tablet vanished before its owner could grab it. Individually, these moments are often attributed to the everyday mishaps of pet ownership. But taken together, they reveal one of the most consistent trends in pet poisoning cases: dogs accidentally ingesting medications — an issue toxicologists are highlighting ahead of National Poison Prevention Week, which begins Sunday. That pattern has drawn increased attention from poison control experts, who say […]
- [Your dog may be changing the air inside your home, study finds](https://homefetch.co/study-finds-dogs-affect-indoor-air-quality-in-homes/): A new study found dogs release gases, microbes and airborne particles indoors — suggesting pets may play a bigger role in indoor air quality than previously understood.
- [Florida animal cruelty bill heads to DeSantis’ desk](https://homefetch.co/florida-animal-cruelty-bill-heads-to-desantis/): A bill aimed at strengthening Florida’s animal cruelty laws — including expanding a statewide database of offenders and creating new penalties for committing animal cruelty in front of children — cleared the Senate unanimously and is now headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature. HB 559, which passed the Senate in a 37-0 vote Wednesday, would introduce several new provisions governing animal cruelty offenses. If passed, it would make certain aggravated animal cruelty crimes, such as engaging in animal fighting or baiting or making sexual contact with an animal, a third-degree felony when committed in the presence of a minor. […]
- [National Walk Your Dog Day 2026: These cities go the extra mile for dog walks](https://homefetch.co/national-walk-your-dog-day-2026-these-u-s-cities-go-the-extra-mile-for-dog-walks/): A HomeFetch analysis of Trust for Public Land data ranks cities by the share of the population within a 10-minute walk of a park and off-leash dog parks per 100,000.
- [Florida bill would let courts consider threats to pets in domestic violence cases](https://homefetch.co/florida-bill-targets-pet-threats-in-domestic-violence-cases/): The proposal, HB 277, would let victims cite threats to their pets when seeking protective orders, instead of waiting for an animal to be harmed.
- [New report finds heavy metals in dozens of popular dog foods](https://homefetch.co/new-report-finds-heavy-metals-in-dog-foods/): Independent testing of 79 products found the highest contaminant levels in dry kibble.
- [TripAdvisor data shows 260% surge in pet-friendly travel bookings](https://homefetch.co/tripadvisor-260-percent-surge-pet-friendly-travel-bookings/): The online travel platform says pet-friendly bookings have surged as more travelers plan trips that include their dogs.
- [Why so many pets die in house fires -- and the fight to save them](https://homefetch.co/pet-rescue-in-house-fires/): In most fire reports, pets don’t count as victims at all. A firefighter and his brother want to change how the system sees them — and saves them.
- [Where are dogs living best in 2025? The cities leading the pack](https://homefetch.co/best-places-for-dogs-to-live-2025/): A breakdown of 500 cities shows where dogs get reliable access to parks and housing that supports real day-to-day living.
- [Florida’s new pet laws take effect Jan. 1: Animal-cruelty database and insurance changes explained](https://homefetch.co/floridas-new-pet-laws-2026/): Two statewide laws will bring changes for pet owners, including a public cruelty database and new rules for how pet-insurance plans are regulated.
- [Who gets the house? For some, it’s the dog](https://homefetch.co/who-gets-the-house-pet-trusts-explained/): Rumors that Diane Keaton's dog could inherit her estate highlight a growing truth: for many Americans, the line between pet and family member has blurred -- even in their wills.
- [How shrinking yards are changing life for dogs](https://homefetch.co/how-shrinking-yards-are-changing-life-for-dogs/): Shrinking yards are changing how dogs live — and how people understand freedom.
- [Ring launches AI ‘Search Party’ to help find lost dogs](https://homefetch.co/amazon-ring-lost-dog-search-feature-doorbell-cameras/): Lost dog? Don’t print flyers — just ask your doorbell. Amazon’s Ring announced a new feature this week called Search Party, which uses artificial intelligence to scan footage from outdoor Ring devices — like doorbell cameras and floodlights — to help track down lost dogs. When a pet is reported missing through the Ring app, the system will start a digital “search party” by analyzing video from other nearby enrolled cameras for any animals that match the description. If a possible sighting is flagged, Ring will alert the user, who can then choose to share the footage directly with the dog’s owner. While Amazon […]
- [New Florida law ‘Trooper’s Law’ makes it a felony to abandon dogs during hurricanes and evacuations](https://homefetch.co/florida-troopers-law-pet-abandonment-disasters/): Trooper was still tied to the fence when floodwaters crept up to his chest. His owner, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, from Ruskin, Fla., had fled ahead of Hurricane Milton back in Oct. 2024. But he left his 4-year-old bull terrier behind — tied to a fence on the side of Interstate 75, straining against his chain as the rain fell harder. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales spotted the dog and pulled him free — a miraculous rescue captured on the officer’s bodycam that would go viral. A year later, Trooper’s story has become more than just a headline. On Wednesday, SB 150, […]

## Pages

- [Nassau County](https://homefetch.co/nassau-county/): Nassau County Covering Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, Bryceville and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all Nassau County news → NASSAU AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for Nassau County dog owners. Updated July 30, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at NCAS 63 Adoptable dogs at NHS 39 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearing — No upcoming animal cruelty hearings scheduled. Upcoming hearings 0 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data          → Read local animal laws           → SHELTER SPOTLIGHT […]
- [Volusia County](https://homefetch.co/volusia-county/): Volusia County Covering Daytona Beach, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, Deltona and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all Volusia County news → VOLUSIA AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for Volusia County dog owners. Updated July 31, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at HHS 28 Adoptable dogs at SEVHS 42 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearing Sept. 22 Trial begins in the Michael Millett dog mauling case. Upcoming hearings 1 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data          → […]
- [Flagler County](https://homefetch.co/flagler-county/): Flagler County Covering Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Beverly Beach and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all Flagler County news → FLAGLER AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for Flagler County dog owners. Updated September 1, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at FHS 43 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearings Sept. 23 Pretrial hearings scheduled in the Sunset starvation case, the 71-dog Palm Coast case and the Bunnell storage-unit deaths. Upcoming hearings 3 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data      […]
- [Putnam County](https://homefetch.co/putnam-county/): Putnam County Covering Palatka, Crescent City, Interlachen, Pomona Park, Welaka and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all Putnam County news → PUTNAM AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for Putnam County dog owners. Updated July 31, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at PCAS 12 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearing Sept. 8 Pretrial hearing scheduled in the embedded chain animal cruelty case. Upcoming hearings 1 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data          → Read local animal laws           → SHELTER […]
- [Clay County](https://homefetch.co/clay-county/): Clay County Covering Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Keystone Heights and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all Clay County news → CLAY AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for Clay County dog owners. Updated September 1, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at CCAS 54 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearing — No upcoming animal cruelty hearings scheduled. Upcoming hearings 0 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data          → Read local animal laws           → SHELTER SPOTLIGHT Meet […]
- [St. Johns County](https://homefetch.co/st-johns-county/): St. Johns County Covering St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Hastings, St. Johns, Nocatee and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all St. Johns County news → ST. JOHNS AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for St. Johns County dog owners. Updated July 31, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at SJCPC 19 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearing Sept. 1 Pretrial hearings scheduled in the St. Johns-Flagler dog dumping case. Upcoming hearings 2 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data    […]
- [Duval County](https://homefetch.co/duval-county/): Duval County Covering Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Baldwin and surrounding communities. MORE TOP STORIES Browse all Duval County news → DUVAL AT A GLANCE Current shelter figures, court dates and resources for Duval County dog owners. Updated September 1, 2026 AT THE SHELTER Adoptable dogs at ACPS 327 Adoptable dogs at JHS 64 See who’s waiting → ON THE DOCKET Next animal cruelty hearing Sept. 8 Sentencing rescheduled in the Miracle starvation case. Upcoming hearings 1 USEFUL LINKS Report suspected animal cruelty   → Search lost and found pets        → View current shelter data          → Read local animal […]
- [Local Shelter Directory](https://homefetch.co/local-shelter-directory/): Local Shelter Directory Find adoptable dogs at shelters across Northeast Florida. Choose a county, then go directly to each shelter’s current adoption listing. Browse by county Local Shelter Directory Find adoptable dogs at shelters across Northeast Florida. Choose a county, then go directly to each shelter’s current adoption listing. Browse by county
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