Florida woman leaves teen, 7 dogs home alone to go on Vegas vacation: police
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A Florida woman is behind bars after she left her teenager and seven dogs in “vile living conditions” to go on a two-week-long Las Vegas vacation, according to police.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jessica Copeland, 37, on Tuesday on charges of child and animal neglect following calls from family members concerned about the teen and the dogs.

The first call came on Monday when an out-of-state family member called Putnam County deputies to ask for a welfare check on a teenager in Palatka, Florida, the agency said. 

When deputies went to the home, an adult was outside and told them he was “cleaning” before Copeland returned home. The teen then came outside and said “there were no issues and everything was fine,” according to the sheriff’s office, so the deputies left.

When deputies were at the home on Tuesday morning assisting animal control with removing the dogs from the home, Copeland returned to the residence and was quickly arrested.

emaciated dog Florida home

Law enforcement removed seven dogs from the home belonging to Copeland. (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)

Bodycam footage released by the agency showed no resistance from Copeland when they informed her that her house was in a “deplorable” condition and that she had animals on the brink of being starved to death. She was quickly put in handcuffs and taken into custody.

“She is now on extended vacation at the Putnam County Jail,” the sheriff’s office said. 

Her charges include one count of child neglect, three counts of felony animal neglect and four counts of misdemeanor animal neglect, and her bond is set at $36,000.

“Let me be clear, our community will not tolerate this level of selfish disregard for human and animal life. She now has time for reflection,” DeLoach said.

The dogs were voluntarily surrendered to the county and will be up for adoption once they are rehabilitated. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Explosion at Mississippi chemical plant prompts evacuations amid ammonia leak

Ammonia Leak Sparks Evacuations After Mississippi Chemical Plant Explosion

An explosive incident rocked a chemical facility near Yazoo City, Mississippi, on…
Parents of Kayla Mueller ask President Trump to bring daughter's remains home from Syria in letter

Kayla Mueller’s Parents Urge President Trump to Facilitate Return of Daughter’s Remains from Syria in Letter

EXCLUSIVE: Carl and Marsha Mueller, the grieving parents of American aid worker…
Fury erupts after accused teen sex predator dodges prison, families swarm courthouse demanding judge’s head

Outrage Erupts: Accused Teen Predator Escapes Prison Sentence, Families Demand Justice

In Oklahoma, public outrage is growing after a teenager involved in multiple…
Illegal immigrant allegedly kills county board member and wife in fatal DUI crash: DHS

Public Outcry Intensifies: Tragic Incident Involving Intoxicated Undocumented Immigrant Sparks Nationwide Debate

In the wake of a tragic incident in Illinois, a state senator…
Virginia teacher shot by 6-year-old student 'thought she was dead' as bodycam emerges

Virginia School Shooting: Jury Deliberates Amidst Tensions Over Ignored Gun Warnings in Teacher’s Case

The civil case involving a Virginia teacher shot by a 6-year-old student…
Federal judge orders Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits in November

Federal Judge Mandates Full Funding of SNAP Benefits by Trump Administration for November

A federal judge in Rhode Island has mandated that the Trump administration…
Meghan Markle set for return to acting eight years after quitting

Meghan Markle Makes Acting Comeback: What to Expect from Her Return to Hollywood After an 8-Year Hiatus

After an eight-year hiatus from Hollywood, Meghan Markle is gearing up to…
12-year-old hero rescues capsized boaters in California harbor

Brave 12-Year-Old Heroically Rescues Capsized Boaters in California Harbor: A Tale of Courage and Quick Thinking

In an inspiring act of courage and quick thinking, a 12-year-old boy…