Flagler County, Florida – Earlier this month, a beautiful 10-week-old puppy suffered and died because police say her owner admitted to only feeding her “every few weeks” in a detached garage at a residence in Palm Coast. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office identified and charged 18-year-old Chance Jones for the Bluetick Coonhound/Australian Shepherd mix’s death.
In a news release, the authorities said:
Through investigative means, Deputy Ionadi and Deputy First Class St. John determined the puppy belonged to Chance Jones, 18, of Palm Coast, who had taken her in that April. Jones told deputies he was frequently away from home for extended periods and left the puppy behind, feeding her only when he returned every few weeks. June 30, Jones brought the puppy to an apartment on Sunset Boulevard and hid her in the garage because he didn’t want anyone to see her condition. He told deputies he never took her to a veterinarian.
Sheriff Rick Staly commented on the devastating situation:
“This is one of the most heartless things I’ve seen in my career. That puppy couldn’t tell anyone she needed help, and Chance Jones chose to hide her instead of giving her the basic care that would have kept her alive. If you can’t take care of an animal, don’t take one in, because we will be the voice for a helpless animal and hold you accountable when you neglect an animal or even worse, starve an animal to death.”
Jones is facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty and unlawful confinement of an animal.
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