Woman Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Abandoning Eight Dogs to Die
A Disturbing Case of Neglect
A heartbreaking case of animal cruelty has shaken Citrus County, Florida, as a woman faces charges for abandoning eight dogs inside her former home, leaving them without food or water. The skeletal remains of the helpless animals were discovered after concerned neighbors called 911. The case has sparked outrage, highlighting the devastating consequences of neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
The case came to light when neighbors, assisting a distressed cat near the property on Boblink Lane, noticed something alarming through the window. They immediately called authorities, fearing the worst. Upon arrival, Citrus County deputies entered the residence and were met with a horrifying scene—the skeletal remains of eight dogs, left to perish in absolute neglect.
Inside the home, deputies found mail addressed to Jennifer Ashley, confirming her as the last known resident. But what they soon uncovered made the situation even more appalling. Ashley had moved to a new home on E. Salmon Drive in Floral City, knowingly leaving the dogs behind to starve.
Upon questioning, Jennifer Ashley admitted to abandoning the dogs in her previous residence. Authorities wasted no time in charging her with eight counts of animal cruelty, setting her bond at $20,000.
Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent condemned the case in a powerful statement:
“This is a truly appalling case of neglect and inhumanity. The suffering these animals endured is unimaginable, and the callous disregard for their lives is beyond comprehension. Our agency will always stand firm against those who abuse or neglect animals, and we will ensure that justice is served.”
State Attorney Bill Gladson of the Fifth Judicial Circuit also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of compassion towards animals:
“It’s a true test of one’s moral character to see how they treat their pets, who want nothing from us but love. Thank you to CCSO’s Animal Control Unit and Deputy Bannon for their work in this matter.”
Lora Peckham, a veteran of 22 years in Citrus County’s Animal Control Unit, was deeply disturbed by the case. She questioned how someone could simply walk away knowing these dogs were fully dependent on her:
“To wonder why someone couldn’t have at least opened the door and given these dogs a fighting chance of survival, to pick up the phone and call someone and say, ‘I can’t take care of them anymore.’ She literally closed the door and walked away.”
Attorney and animal rescuer Jeanine Cohen, director of Rescue Pets of Florida, expressed horror at the situation:
“As a rescuer, of course, I was horrified. We’re talking about literally closing the door and walking away on live animals that we all want to believe that at some point this individual cared for.”
Cohen also raised concerns about Ashley’s mental state, questioning whether extreme desperation or external circumstances led her to such an unthinkable act. She emphasized that there are always resources available for struggling pet owners:
“At the end of the day, if there’s no place else, you go to your county shelter. That’s what our taxpayer dollars pay for.”
How to Help
Cases like this remind us of the importance of reporting neglect before it’s too late. Anyone with additional information about this case is urged to contact: 📞 Citrus County Sheriff’s Office:(352) 249-2790 📞 Crime Stoppers of Citrus County:1-888-ANY-TIPS
Animal cruelty is a crime—but more than that, it is a moral failure. Every pet deserves love, care, and protection. If you ever witness neglect or abuse, speak up. These innocent lives depend on it.
Eight innocent dogs were left to die—watch the full heartbreaking report below.
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