Woman charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after pets found in ‘severe neglect in unlivable home’

(October 17, 2025) Yesterday, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, headquartered in South Florida, announced the arrest of a local animal owner Deanna Jenkins – who was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.  Back on October 3, the county’s Animal Safety Division initiated an investigation into a suspected animal cruelty case going on at Jenkins’ home.

It took a meeting at her residence on October 16, when investigators were finally granted entry into her residence, where probable cause for her arrest was immediately established based on the condition of the animals and the environment found inside her home.

Inside the residence, six dogs and one cat were found confined entirely indoors under severe neglect. The home was permeated with an overwhelming odor of urine and feces. Animal waste covered all areas of the home, including floors, furniture, and tables. Investigators observed that the animals were actively using the interior of the home as their bathroom during the inspection.

Further investigation revealed that none of the animals were up to date on vaccinations or health records, nor were they receiving any veterinary care. The overall condition of the home was deemed unfit for habitation.

All seven animals were seized by Animal Control due to immediate health and safety concerns. Based on the findings, Jenkins was taken into custody and charged with seven counts of Confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise: abandonment of animals, one count for each affected animal.

Penalties for animal cruelty in Florida range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including jail or prison time, fines up to , and mandatory psychological counseling or anger management. Aggravated animal cruelty, which includes intentional torture, can result in a third-degree felony with potential prison sentences of up to five years and a mandatory minimum fine of .

As of yesterday, Jenkins was being detained at the St. Lucie County Jail. The sheriff’s office said that their investigation into this case remains ongoing.

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(Source and Deanna Jenkins’ booking photo: St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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