PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — A Putnam County 911 dispatcher has been fired after being arrested on animal cruelty charges, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Police say 22-year-old Brianna Allender was on duty when the Palatka Police Department notified the sheriff’s office earlier today of an active investigation involving her. Allender was immediately removed from her position and placed on administrative leave. She later agreed to meet with detectives from the Palatka Police Department.

Following her arrest, Allender was terminated in accordance with sheriff’s office policy. Officials said she had worked for the agency for about a year.

The Palatka Police Department is leading the investigation, as the alleged incident occurred within their jurisdiction. The department is expected to release further details as the case progresses.

“This situation deeply saddens me,” Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach said in a statement. “As an avid dog lover, I cannot fathom the idea of someone abandoning their dogs. We are a family here at the sheriff’s office, we have a working relationship with Animal Control and there are resources we could have provided if help had been requested. These animals should not have had to suffer.”

The sheriff’s office says it fully supports the ongoing investigation.