Woman arrested after her dog died from dehydration and heat stroke in outdoor crate without shade or water

Earlier today, Florida’s Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that an Immokalee woman is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after a criminal investigation found that she regularly confined her dog in a small outdoor crate without shade or water – conditions that ultimately led to the animal’s death.

Kedine AnnMarie Trudeau, 42, was arrested Friday by detectives with the CCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance in connection with a May 6 incident at her residence. A witness discovered “Dexter,” the family’s 8-year-old terrier-beagle mix, dead in its crate with its head wedged between the door and frame, apparently trying to reach a bowl of water just outside his enclosure.

“This kind of neglect is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “Our detectives and community partners worked diligently to uncover the facts and ensure Dexter’s suffering didn’t go unanswered.”

Trudeau told detectives she left Dexter outside in the crate around 9 a.m. and intended to check on him later. At 3:25 p.m. she was notified by the witness that Dexter had died.

A necropsy conducted by Dr. John Morton, chief medical officer for Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, determined Dexter likely died from acute hydration or heat stroke. The temperature on May 6 reached 88 degrees, but black crates, like the one Dexter was kept, in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 115 degrees.

The CCSO investigation found that Dexter had been regularly confined for long periods without proper care in the Florida heat. Detectives concluded that Dexter suffered and died while trying to escape the extreme conditions due to a lack of shelter and water.

Trudeau was arrested on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty.

In Florida, a first-degree misdemeanor for animal cruelty can result in up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000, according to Lawyers.com. A third-degree felony for aggravated animal cruelty can result in up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. For aggravated animal cruelty, if the animal was tortured or intentionally injured or killed, there is also a mandatory minimum fine of $2,500 and a requirement for psychological counseling or anger management treatment. 

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(Source and Kedine AnnMarie Trudeau booking photo: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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