Floral City woman arrested, accused of moving and leaving 8 dogs without food or water to starve to death
CCSO mugshot.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Floral City, Florida - On February 8, 2025, 48 year-old Jennifer Ashley of Floral City was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), charged with eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty, after deputies discovered the remains of eight dogs inside her former residence, located on E. Boblink Lane in Floral City..
CCSO Deputy Bannon and CCSO Animal Control Officer (ACO) Gannon responded to the residence after neighbors called 911. The neighbors, while attempting to assist a cat in distress, noticed through a window from outside of the home, what appeared to be the remains of animals inside the home.
When Deputy Bannon and ACO Gannon entered the residence to conduct a well-being check on the animals, they discovered the skeletal remains of eight dogs. While inside the home, the officers found mail addressed to Jennifer Ashley, whom they learned had moved to another residence, located on E. Salmon Drive in Floral City, abandoning the dogs at the E. Boblink Lane residence, without food or water.
Based on the evidence collected, probable cause was established to charge Ashley with eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty. She was taken into custody and transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida, with her bond set at $20,000.
"This is a truly appalling case of neglect and inhumanity," said Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent. "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 Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit Court also spoke on the case, "It's a true test of one's moral character to see how they treat their pets, who want nothing from us but love," he said. "Thank you to CCSO's Animal Control Unit and Deputy Bannon for their work in this matter."
This case is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at (352) 249-2790 or Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS (1-888-269-8477).