Suspect Arrested in Case of Dead and Abandoned Animals
Suspect Arrested in Case of Dead and Abandoned Animals
A suspect has been arrested in the investigation involving 7 dead and abandoned animals in Gulf Breeze. On 11/06/12, deputies identified and spoke with the owner of the home that was in a state of foreclosure located at 1675 Winding Shore Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL. Toni Amaro Phelps was arrested this evening at the Escambia County Jail after a judge issued a warrant for her arrest. The investigation revealed that Phelps vacated the residence in March/April 2012. Phelps also stated that she returns to the residence approximately once a month to retrieve her mail. While speaking with deputies, Phelps denied abandoning the animals; however when Animal Services showed Phelps the remains of two dogs, Phelps stated that they were hers. When they went to show her the third dog, Phelps stated, “Stop, I know it’s mine too”. Local veterinarians were able to help determine that the deceased animals belonged to Phelps. Phelps was unable to provide any reasonable explanation as to why her dead animals were located inside of her home. Phelps was charged with (6) counts of Causing Cruel Death, Pain, or Suffering to an Animal (3rd Degree Felony), (6) counts of Abandonment of an Animal (1stdegree Misdemeanor), and (1) Count of a Nuisance Injurious to Health. She was given a $36,500.00 bond, with a special condition to not possess any animals. Phelps had not bonded out of the Escambia County Jail at the time of this release.
