ARRIANA RA'SHELLE WASHINGTON arrested after a severely emaciated dog was found abandoned in New Smyrna Beach

- Florida, USA -

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains a picture some of you may find distressing⚠️

On February 10, 2026, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department reached out to the public for assistance after its Animal Control Unit began investigating an animal cruelty case.

Police said that on February 9, 2026, AC Officers found “a severely malnourished/emaciated tan and white, spayed female dog in the 200 block of Inwood Avenue.”

Although AC Officers conducted a neighborhood canvass, they were unable to identify the dog’s guardian.

The furvictim was taken to the Edgewater Animal Shelter for emergency veterinary care and staff named her Olive.

Olive was found in extremely poor physical condition, with visible ribs, hips, and spine and significant muscle loss. She is now being hand-fed and receiving IV medications and fluids to help her gain weight gradually and safely.

The sheriff’s office reports that Olive is recovering well and said in a Facebook post: “According to the shelter’s latest update, Olive has gained approximately six pounds since arriving and continues to show steady improvement under veterinary supervision.”

As a result of the sheriff’s office reaching out to the public for assistance, multiple members of the community came forward with information. Through interviews and supporting details provided by witnesses familiar with Olive, investigators identified her guardian as 19-year-old ARRIANA RA'SHELLE WASHINGTON (pictured), of Port Orange.

As stated in the sheriff’s office press release, “Witnesses reported long-term neglect, including the dog being confined indoors, not walked, urinating and defecating inside living spaces, and lacking proper food, water, and care.”

On February 14, WASHINGTON appeared in a Volusia County courtroom to face a felony charge of cruelty to animals. The judge ordered her not to have or care for any animals while the case proceeds.

If you choose to donate towards Olive’s medical care, please be aware of unscrupulous and unconscionable scammers!

As Edgewater Animal Shelter advised through a Facebook post, “There are NO official go fund me pages for Olive. If you see one please report it, it’s not affiliated with this shelter or her care in any way.

There is a donate button on our website (link in comments) and there is a Facebook fundraiser pinned to the top of our page. Donations are accepted by phone and in person at the shelter.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press releases by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

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