Share and Follow
Jennifer Ashley, 48, has been arrested on eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty after Citrus County deputies found the remains at her former home.
FLORAL CITY, Fla. — A 48-year-old woman was hit with numerous animal cruelty charges after Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies found the skeletal remains of her eight dogs at her former home.
In a Facebook post, the agency said Jennifer Ashley has been arrested on eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Deputies were made aware of the situation after receiving a 911 call from neighbors, who said they noticed the remains through the window of Ashley’s former home on East Boblink Avenue while helping a cat.
“Upon entering the residence for a well-being check, Deputy Bannon and ACO Gannon discovered the skeletal remains of eight dogs,” the agency said in the Facebook post.
During the investigation, deputies learned that Ashley had moved to another home on East Salmon Drive in Floral City, “effectively abandoning the dogs with no food or water” at the home on Boblink.
Probable cause was established to charge Ashley with eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty. She has been taken into custody with a bond set at $20,000.
Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent called the case “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,” Vincent said. “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 added, “it’s a true test of one’s moral character to see how they treat their pets who want nothing from us but love.”
The case remains active and ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office. Anyone with additional information can call the sheriff’s office at (352) 249-2790 or Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.